Optically anisotropic layer, method of manufacturing the same, laminate, method of manufacturing the same, polarizing plate, liquid crystal display device, and organic el display device

ABSTRACT

To suppress a phenomenon where an optical axis of the optically anisotropic layer is tilted when the optically anisotropic layer is produced by using a liquid crystalline compound showing smectic phase as a materials showing a higher level of orderliness. An optically anisotropic layer wherein a polymerizable composition, containing one or more polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showing a smectic phase, is fixed in a state of smectic phase, and a direction of maximum refractive index of the optically anisotropic layer is inclined at 10° or smaller to the surface of the optically anisotropic layer, a method for manufacturing the same, a laminate and a method for manufacturing the same, a polarizing plate, a liquid crystal display device, and an organic EL display device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/026,600, filed on Jul. 3, 2018, which is a Continuation ofU.S. patent application er. No. 14/482,292, filed on Sep. 10, 2014, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,048,416, which issued Aug. 14, 2018, which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No.2013-188162, filed Sep. 11, 2013, Japanese Patent Application No.2014-072290, filed Mar. 31, 2014 and Japanese Patent Application No.2014-114182, filed Jun. 2, 2014. The above applications are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference, in their entirety, into the presentapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optically anisotropic layer whereina polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound is fixed in a state ofsmectic phase, a method of manufacturing the same, a laminate, a methodof manufacturing the same, a polarizing plate, a liquid crystal displaydevice, and an organic EL display device.

BACKGROUND ART

Liquid crystal display device has been widely disseminated as a devicefor displaying image. By characteristic of its controllability of lightbased on retardation, the liquid crystal display device employs opticalcompensation based on retardation, for higher image quality. A generalmode of embodiment of the optical compensation is such as using anoptically anisotropic layer composed of a birefringent polymer film.

JP-A-2009-086260 describes a retardation film which comprises atransparent substrate composed of a cellulose derivative and anoptically anisotropic layer which is formed on the transparentsubstrate, contains a rod-like compound having refractive indexanisotropy, and satisfies nx¹>ny¹≥nz¹, where nx¹ is refractive index inthe direction x of in-plane slow axis, ny¹ is refractive index in thedirection y of fast axis, and nz¹ is refractive index in the thicknessdirection z, and which has a bendability of 16 mm or smaller.

Many of the optically anisotropic layer are often configured bythermotropic liquid crystal, as a liquid crystal material forconfiguring it. However, the thermotropic material tends to bedestabilized depending on environmental temperature. Therefore, thethermal stability is enhanced by introducing a polymerizable group intothe liquid crystalline compound composing the liquid crystal materialand fixing the state of alignment of the liquid crystalline compound bypolymerization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There has been a growing need of thinning and weight reduction forlarger degree of freedom of design, typically pushed forward bydissemination of mobile terminals, so that the demand for thinning hasalso been directed to the optically anisotropic layer which is a part ofthe liquid crystal display device. The optically anisotropic layer is,however, required to develop a desired level of retardation, so thatthere has been a strong need for balancing the thinning and developmentof retardation. An optically anisotropic layer, which uses a liquidcrystal material with a high developability (JP-A-2009-086260, forexample) has been studied.

The developability of retardation by the liquid crystal material isaffected not only by the developability of retardation by the liquidcrystalline compound per se, but also by orderliness of alignment of theliquid crystalline compound. If the orderliness degrades, the opticallyanisotropic layer reduces its performance, due to disturbance in thealignment.

In pursuit of materials showing a higher level of orderliness, thepresent inventors investigated into manufacture of the opticallyanisotropic layer using a liquid crystalline compound which shows asmectic phase. The present inventors have found that, when the alignmentof the liquid crystalline compound showing smectic phase was fixed, theoptical axis of the resultant optically anisotropic layer is tilted(that is, pre-tilt angle increased), and that this made it difficult toobtain the optically anisotropic layer in an industrially stable manner.

The present invention was conceived to solve the problems describedabove. An object of the present invention is to provide an opticallyanisotropic layer wherein a liquid crystalline compound is fixed in astate of smectic phase, which shows good performances.

Means for solving the above-described problems are as follows:

[1] An optically anisotropic layer wherein a polymerizable composition,containing one or more polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compoundshowing a smectic phase, is fixed in a state of smectic phase, and adirection of maximum refractive index of the optically anisotropic layeris inclined at 10° or smaller to the surface of the opticallyanisotropic layer.

[2] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the opticallyanisotropic layer has a thickness d of 1000 to 5000 nm, Re(550) of 10 to400 nm, Re(550)/d of 0.01 to 0.1 where both of d and Re(550) are givenin nm, and a contrast of 100,000 or larger and 200,000 or smaller.

[3] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein a ratio of thepolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound which remainsunpolymerized is 5% by mass or less.

[4] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound has a molecular weight of 1300 orsmaller.

[5] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by theformula (I). Formula (I):

Q¹-SP¹-X¹-M¹-(Y¹-L-Y²-M²)_(n)-X²-SP²-Q² where, n is an integerrepresenting the number of repetition of (Y¹-L-Y²-M²) which is 0 ormore, each of Q¹ and Q² represents a polymerizable group, each of SP¹and SP² represents a straight-chain or branched alkylene group, or agroup composed of a combination of straight-chain or branched alkylene,with at least either of —O— and —C(═O)—, having 2 to 8 carbon atoms intotal; each of X¹ and X² represents a single bond or oxygen atom;—Y¹-L-Y²— represents a straight-chain alkylene group, or, a groupcomposed of a combination of straight-chain alkylene group with —O—and/or —C(═—O)—, having 3 to 18 carbon atoms in total; M¹ is a grouprepresented by —Ar¹—COO—Ar²—COO—Ar³—COO— or —Ar¹—COO—Ar²—COO—Ar³— or—Ar¹—COO—Ar²—Ar³—; M² is a group represented by —Ar³—OCO—Ar²—OCO— or—Ar³—OCO—Ar²—OCO—Ar¹— or —Ar³—OCO—Ar²—Ar¹; and each of Ar¹, Ar² and Ar³independently represents phenylene or biphenylene.

[6] The optically anisotropic layer of [5], wherein the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (1)satisfies at least any one of a to c below.

a: At least either one of Q¹ and Q² represents a ring-openingpolymerizable group.

b: Each of SP¹ and SP² contains an alkylene oxide unit.

c: n is 1 or larger.

[7] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by theformula (II);

Formula (II): L¹-G¹-D¹-Ar-D²-G²-L² where, Ar represents a divalentaromatic ring group represented by the formulae (II-1), (II-2), (II-3)or (II-4) below; each of D¹ and D² independently represents —CO—O—,—O—CO—, —C(═S)O—, —O—C(═S)—, —CR₁R₂—, —CR₁R₂—CR₃R₄—, —O—CR₁R₂—,—CR₁R₂—O—, —CR₁R₂—O—CR₃R₄—, —CR₁R₂—O—CO—, —O—CO—CR₁R₂—,—CR₁R₂—O—CO—CR₃R₄—, —CR₁R₂—CO—O—CR₃R₄—, —NR₁—CR₂R₃—, —CR₁R₂—NR₃—,—CO—NR₁—, or —NR₁—CO—; each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ independentlyrepresents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or C₁₋₄ alkyl group; each ofG¹ and G² independently represents a C₅₋₈ divalent alicyclic hydrocarbongroup, a methylene group contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon groupmay be substituted by —O—, —S—, —NH— or —N(R)—; each of L¹ and L²independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least oneselected from the group consisting of L¹ and L² represents a monovalentgroup having a polymerizable group.

in the formula (II-1), Q₁ represents —S—, —O— or —NR¹¹—, where R¹¹represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group; Y₁ represents a C₆₋₁₂aromatic hydrocarbon group, or, C₃₋₁₂ aromatic heterocyclic group; eachof Z₁ and Z₂ independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₂₀ aliphatichydrocarbon group, C₃₋₂₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, monovalent C₆₋₂₀aromatic hydrocarbon group, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group,—NR¹²R¹¹ or —SR¹², Z₁ and Z₂ may combine with each other to form anaromatic ring or aromatic heterocycle, each of R¹² and R¹³ independentlyrepresents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group; in the formula (II-2),each of A_(l) and A₂ independently represents a group selected from thegroup consisting of —O—, —NR—, —S— and —CO—, where R represents ahydrogen atom or substituent; X represents a Group-XIV to XVI nonmetalatom, where, X may have a hydrogen atom or substituent bound thereto,and each of Z₁ and Z₂ independently represents a substituent; in theformula (II-3) and the formula (II-4), Ax represents an C₂₋₃₀ organicgroup having at least one aromatic ring selected from the groupconsisting of aromatic hydrocarbon ring and aromatic heterocycle, Ayrepresents a hydrogen atom, a C₁₋₆ alkyl group which may have asubstituent, or, a C₂₋₃₀ organic group having at least one aromatic ringselected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon ring andaromatic heterocycle; the aromatic ring contained in Ax and Ay may havea substituent; Ax and Ay may combine together to form a ring; each ofZ₁, Z₂ and Z₃ independently represents a hydrogen atom or substituent;and Q₂ represents a hydrogen atom, or, C₁₋₆ alkyl group which may have asubstituent.

[8] The optically anisotropic layer of [7], wherein a polymerizablecomposition, containing two or more polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compounds represented by the formula (II), is fixed, and atransition temperature from the smectic phase to the nematic phase ofthe composition is 80° C. or lower.

[9] The optically anisotropic layer of [8], wherein a polymerizablecomposition, containing one or more polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound, is fixed in a state of nematic phase, and a directionof maximum refractive index of the optically anisotropic layer isinclined at 10° or smaller to the surface of the optically anisotropiclayer.

[10] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the polymerizablecomposition further contains 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or lessof a polymerizable rod-like compound represented by the formula (2).

Formula (2): Q³-SP³-X³-M³-(Y³-L-Y⁴-M⁴)_(m)-X⁴-SP⁴-Q⁴ where, m is aninteger representing the number of repetition of (Y³-L-Y⁴-M⁴) which is 0or more, each of Q³ and Q⁴ represents a polymerizable group, SP³ and SP⁴represent a same group which is a straight-chain or branched alkylenegroup, or, a group composed of a combination of a straight-chain orbranched alkylene group, with —O— and/or —C(═O)—, having 2 to 8 carbonatoms in total; X³ and X⁴ represent a same group which is a single bondor oxygen atom; —Y³-L-Y⁴— represents a straight-chain alkylene group,or, a group composed of a combination of straight-chain alkylene groupwith —O— and/or —C(═O)—, having 3 to 18 carbon atoms in total; and eachof M³ and M⁴ represents a group composed of two or more aromatic rings,and —O— and/or —C(═O)—.

[11] The optically anisotropic layer of [10], wherein the polymerizablerod-like compound represented by the formula (2) satisfies at least anyone of a to c below.

a: at least either one of Q³ and Q⁴ represents a ring-openingpolymerizable group.

b: each of SP³ and SP⁴ contains an alkylene oxide unit.

c: m is 1 or larger.

[12] The optically anisotropic layer of [11], wherein the polymerizablecomposition further contains a non-liquid crystalline multifunctionalpolymerizable compound.

[13] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], wherein the direction ofmaximum refractive index of the optically anisotropic layer is inclinedat 0° or larger and 3° or smaller to the surface of the opticallyanisotropic layer.

[14] The optically anisotropic layer of [1], which is a uniaxialbirefringence layer having the slow axis in the in-plane direction.

[15] The optically anisotropic layer of [14], wherein retardation valuesRe(450), Re(550) and Re(650) measured at 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nmrespectively satisfy the formulae (1) to (3).

Formula (1) 100≤Re(550)≤180 nm

Formula (2) 0.70≤Re(450)/Re(550)≤1.00

Formula (3) 0.99≤Re(650)/Re(550)≤1.30

[16] A method of manufacturing the optically anisotropic layer of [1],which comprises steps of heating a layer which is provided on a supportand is composed of a polymerizable composition which contains apolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound, up to or above the phasetransition temperature between the smectic liquid crystal phase and thenematic liquid crystal phase, and cooling the layer to a temperature 5°C. or more lower than the phase transition temperature, followed bypolymerization.

[17] A laminate comprising the optically anisotropic layer of [1].

[18] The laminate of [17], wherein the optically anisotropic layer of[1] is formed on the surface of a photo-aligned film.

[19] The laminate of [18] which further comprises a linear polarizer,wherein the photo-aligned film is provided over the surface of thelinear polarizer.

[20] The laminate of [17], wherein the optically anisotropic layer of[1] is formed on the surface of a rubbed alignment film.

[21] The laminate of [20], wherein the polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound has a longitudinal molecular axis orthogonal to thedirection of rubbing of the rubbed alignment film.

[22] The laminate of [20] which further comprises a linear polarizer,wherein the rubbed alignment film is provided on the surface of thelinear polarizer.

[23] The laminate of [17], wherein a uniaxial birefringence layer havinga refractive index in the thickness direction larger than the refractiveindex in the in-plane direction is formed on the surface of theoptically anisotropic layer of [1].

[24] The laminate of [23], wherein the birefringence layer has aretardation Rth(550) measured at 550 nm in the thickness direction whichsatisfies the formula (11).

Formula (11) -150Rth(550)-10

[25] The laminate of [24], wherein Rth(450), Rth(550) and Rth(650)satisfy the formulae (1) and (2).

Formula (1) 0.70≤Rth(450)/Rth(550)≤1.00

Formula (2) 0.99≤Rth(650)/Rth(550)≤1.30

[26] A method of manufacturing the laminate of [23], which comprises:

step A of coating a photo-alignable material on a support to manufacturea photo-aligned film;

step B of vertically or obliquely irradiating polarized light to thephoto-aligned film, as process B;

step C of coating a polymerizable composition which contains apolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound on the photo-aligned filmafter steps A and B; and

step D of heating the polymerizable composition up to or above a phasetransition temperature between a smectic liquid crystal phase and anematic liquid crystal phase, and cooling the composition to atemperature 5° C. or more lower than the phase transition temperature,followed by polymerization.

[27] A method of manufacturing the laminate of [23], which comprises:

step A of coating a photo-alignable material on a support to manufacturea photo-aligned film;

step B of obliquely irradiating non-polarized light to the photo-alignedfilm, as process B;

step C of coating a polymerizable composition which contains apolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound on the photo-aligned filmafter steps A and B; and

step D of heating the polymerizable composition up to or above a phasetransition temperature between a smectic liquid crystal phase and anematic liquid crystal phase, and cooling the composition to atemperature 5° C. or more lower than the phase transition temperature,followed by polymerization.

[28] A polarizing plate comprising the optically anisotropic layer of[1].

[29] The polarizing plate of [28], wherein the slow axis of theoptically anisotropic layer and the absorption axis of the linearpolarizer form an angle of 45° to 90°.

[30] A liquid crystal display device comprising the opticallyanisotropic layer of [1].

[31] The liquid crystal display device of [30], which is an IPS-modedevice.

[32] The liquid crystal display device of [31], which is an IPS-modedevice using a photo-alignment.

[33] The liquid crystal display device of [32], wherein the rod-likeliquid crystal used in a liquid crystal cell is aligned at an angle of1° or smaller to the plane of the optically anisotropic layer.

[34] An organic EL display device comprising the optically anisotropiclayer of [1].

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The present invention successfully provides an optically anisotropiclayer wherein a liquid crystalline compound is fixed in a state ofsmectic phase and an angle between the direction of maximum refractiveindex and the plane of layer is controlled, which shows good performanceand can be manufactured in a stable manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an X-ray diffractometric chart illustrating a result ofX-ray diffractometry of an optically anisotropic layer manufactured inExample 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in detail below. The descriptionof essential features below may be sometimes based on representativeembodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments. Note that, in this specification, allnumerical ranges given in the form of “to” preceded and followed bynumerals means numerical ranges limited by these numerals as the lowerlimit value and the upper limit value, respectively. When stating aboutangle, “normal” , “orthogonal” and “parallel” are used to describe therange of (precise angle)±10°, and the terminologies of “same” and“different” are used depending on whether the difference is smaller than5° or not.

In the present invention, “tilt angle” means the angle formed between atilted liquid crystal and a plane of layer, and more specifically meansthe maximum angle among angles formed between the direction of maximumrefractive index and the plane of layer in an index ellipsoid of theliquid crystalline compound. Accordingly, for the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound having a positive optical anisotropy, the tiltangle means an angle formed between the longitudinal direction of therod-like liquid crystalline compound, or the direction of director, andthe plane of layer. In the present invention, “average tilt angle” meansthe average value of the tilt angle ranging between the upper interfaceand the lower interface of the optically anisotropic layer. The tiltangle (that is, tilt of the direction of the maximum refractive index ofthe optically anisotropic film, to the surface of the opticallyanisotropic film) may be measured using an automatic birefringence meter(for example, KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co., Ltd.).

In the present invention, the film contrast was determined by (themaximum luminance in the parallel Nicols state)/(the minimum luminancein the crossed Nicols state). A direct-type fluorescent tube backlightlight source, the upper side of polarizing plate, a sample, theunderside of polarizing plate are, in the order from the bottom, placedon a table such that each of the surfaces is level. At this time, thesample and upper side of polarizing plate are set to be rotatable. Lightthat is emitted from the light source and passed through the upper sideof polarizing plate, sample, and underside of polarizing plate in theorder mentioned is measured from the vertical direction using BM-5A(manufactured by TOPCON) to determine luminance. In the measurement, theupper side of polarizing plate is first rotated without the sample toset a position at which the luminance is darkest (crossed Nicols state).The sample is inserted and rotated under crossed Nicols to measure thelowest luminance. Next, two polarizing plates of the upper side ofpolarizing plate and the underside of polarizing plate are disposed in aparallel Nicols state and the sample is rotated to measure the highestluminance.

The film contrast is defined by the value calculated from the belowformula in order to remove the contribution of brightness leakage due tothe upper side polarizing plate and the underside polarizing plate.

Contrast=1/((the minimum luminance in the crossed Nicols state at thetime of installation of the film)/(the maximum luminance in the parallelNicols state at the time of installation of the film)-(the minimumluminance in the crossed Nicols state in the absence of the sample)/(themaximum luminance in the parallel Nicols state in the absence of thesample))

As used herein, symbol Re(λ) refers to the retardation in a plane at awavelength λ (nm), and symbol Rth(λ) refers to the retardation acrossthe thickness at a wavelength λ (nm). Re(λ) is measured by irradiating afilm with light having a wavelength λ (nm) in the normal direction witha KOBRA 21ADH or KOBRA WR birefringence analyzer (from Oji ScientificInstruments). If the film for measurement has a uniaxial or biaxialoptical indicatrix, Rth(λ) is calculated through the followingprocedure.

When a film to be analyzed is expressed by a uniaxial or biaxial indexellipsoid, Rth(λ) of the film is calculated as follows. Rth(λ) iscalculated by KOBRA 21ADH or WR on the basis of the six Re(λ) valueswhich are measured for incoming light of a wavelength λ nm in sixdirections which are decided by a 10° step rotation from 0° to 50° withrespect to the normal direction of a sample film using an in-plane slowaxis, which is decided by KOBRA 21ADH or WR, as an inclination axis (arotation axis; defined in an arbitrary in-plane direction if the filmhas no slow axis in plane), a value of hypothetical mean refractiveindex, and a value entered as a thickness value of the film.

In the above, when the film to be analyzed has a direction in which theretardation value is zero at a certain inclination angle, around thein-plane slow axis from the normal direction as the rotation axis, thenthe retardation value at the inclination angle larger than theinclination angle to give a zero retardation is changed to negativedata, and then the Rth(X) of the film is calculated by KOBRA 21ADH orWR.

Around the slow axis as the inclination angle (rotation angle) of thefilm (when the film does not have a slow axis, then its rotation axismay be in any in-plane direction of the film), the retardation valuesare measured in any desired inclined two directions, and based on thedata, and the estimated value of the mean refractive index and theinputted film thickness value, Rth may be calculated according toformulae (7) and (8):

$\begin{matrix}{{{Re}(\theta)} = {\left\lbrack {{nx} - \frac{{ny} \times {nz}}{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\left\{ {{ny}\; {\sin \left( {\sin^{- 1}\left( \frac{\sin \left( {- \theta} \right)}{nx} \right)} \right)}} \right\}^{2} +} \\{\left\{ {{nz}\; {\cos \left( {\sin^{- 1}\left( \frac{\sin \left( {- \theta} \right)}{nx} \right)} \right)}} \right\} \text{?}}\end{matrix}}}} \right\rbrack \times \frac{d}{\cos \left\{ {\sin^{- 1}\left( \frac{\sin \left( {- \theta} \right)}{nx} \right)} \right\}}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} (7)} \\{\mspace{79mu} {{Rth} = {\left( {\frac{{nx} + {ny}}{2} - {nz}} \right) \times d}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} (8)} \\{\text{?}\text{indicates text missing or illegible when filed}} & \;\end{matrix}$

Re(θ) represents a retardation value in the direction inclined by anangle θ from the normal direction; nx represents a refractive index inthe in-plane slow axis direction; ny represents a refractive index inthe in-plane direction orthogonal to nx; and nz represents a refractiveindex in the direction orthogonal to nx and ny. And “d” is a thicknessof the film.

When the film to be analyzed is not expressed by a monoaxial or biaxialindex ellipsoid, or that is, when the film does not have an opticalaxis, then Rth(X) of the film may be calculated as follows:

Rth(λ) of the film is measured around the slow axis (judged by KOBRA21ADH or WR) as the in-plane inclination axis (rotation axis), relativeto the normal direction of the film from -50 degrees up to +50 degreesat intervals of 10 degrees, in 11 points in all with a light having awavelength of λ nm applied in the inclined direction; and based on thethus-measured retardation values, the estimated value of the meanrefractive index and the inputted film thickness value, Rth(λ) of thefilm may be calculated by KOBRA 21ADH or WR.

In the above-described measurement, the hypothetical value of meanrefractive index is available from values listed in catalogues ofvarious optical films in Polymer Handbook (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.).Those having the mean refractive indices unknown can be measured usingan Abbe refract meter. Mean refractive indices of some main retardationfilms are listed below:

cellulose acylate (1.48), cycloolefin polymer (1.52), polycarbonate(1.59), polymethylmethacrylate (1.49) and polystyrene (1.59).

The instrument KOBRA-21ADH or KOBRA-WR calculates nx, ny, and nz,through input of the assumed average refractive index and the filmthickness, and then calculates Nz=(nx-nz)/(nx-ny) on the basis of thecalculated nx, ny, and nz.

In the conventional liquid crystal display device, rubbed substrate hasoften been used to align liquid crystal. However, due to difficulty ofrubbing at around spacers in a liquid crystal cell, it has beendifficult to appropriately align there the liquid crystal, with a largerrisk of causing leakage of light. Now, photo-aligning has been known asa method of aligning the liquid crystal without using the rubbedsubstrate. The photo-aligning can align the liquid crystal bynon-contact exposure of polarized light, and can therefore align theliquid crystal also at around the spacers. As a consequence, the liquidcrystal display device will be reduced in the risk of leakage of lightand will be improved in contrast. In particular, the photo-aligning issuccessfully used for the IPS-mode device intrinsically in no need ofpre-tilt angle. The present inventors found out that, for the IPS-modedevice using the photo-aligning, since the pre-tilt angle of the liquidcrystal in the liquid crystal cell is nearly 0°, so that also theoptically anisotropic layer, which composes the retardation film usedfor this type of display device, preferably has a small pre-tilt angle,especially 0°. This is supposedly because, if the pre-tilt angle of theoptically anisotropic layer increases, an optical asymmetry would beinduced, and this adversely increases viewing angle dependence of huechanges in oblique view.

[Optically Anisotropic Layer]

The present invention relates to an optically anisotropic layer whereina polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound is fixed in a state ofsmectic phase, or an optically anisotropic layer wherein a polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound capable of showing a smectic phase anda nematic phase is fixed in a state of development of nematic phase. Theoptically anisotropic layer of the present invention may be provided inthe form of membrane or film, that is, optically anisotropic membrane oroptically anisotropic film, which may be provided in the form of singlelayered product, or in the form of laminate with any other layer.

In the optically anisotropic layer, molecules of the liquid crystallinecompound are fixed in a state of smectic phase or nematic phase ofhomogeneous alignment (horizontal alignment) or near-horizontal inclinedalignment where the liquid crystalline compound has a tilt angle of 10°or smaller.

In this specification, the smectic phase refers to a state in whichunidirectionally aligned molecules form a laminar structure.

In this specification, the nematic phase refers to a state in which theconstituent molecules show an ordered alignment, but are not ordered inposition in a three-dimensional manner.

The smectic phase is configured by continuation of primary structures,in each of which the liquid crystalline compound molecules are alignedaccording to a high degree of regularity.

Fluidity of the liquid crystalline compound molecules within the layeris attributable to weakness of interaction of liquid crystallinecompound molecules between the layers. On the other hand, the layer ofthe liquid crystalline compound molecules is rigid by virtue of the highlevel of regularity of the liquid crystalline compound molecules. Thepresent inventors found out that, in the process of forming theoptically anisotropic layer by the layers of the liquid crystallinecompound molecules, if the liquid crystalline compound molecules comeinto close proximity, particularly due to polymerization shrinkage inthe process of polymerization of the liquid crystalline compoundmolecules, the liquid crystalline compound molecules incline largely,trying to reduce influence of the inter-layer interaction of the layersof the liquid crystalline compound molecules, while keeping theregularity among the liquid crystalline compound molecules within thelayer. When the layers are fixed in such inclined state, angle formedbetween the the direction of maximum refractive index and the plane oflayer unfortunately increases.

According to the present invention, by reducing the inter-layerinteraction of the liquid crystalline compound molecules, the liquidcrystalline compound molecules are fixed in a state of smectic phaseaccording to homogeneous alignment (horizontal alignment) or accordingto near-horizontal inclined alignment (referred to as (near-)horizontalalignment, hereinafter). Thus an optically anisotropic layer having anangle between the direction of maximum refractive index and the plane oflayer of 10° or smaller, preferably 3° or smaller, and particularly 1°or smaller, is obtained. The lower limit of the angle between thedirection of maximum refractive index and the plane of layer is 0° orlarger, without special limitation.

The optically anisotropic layer of the present invention may bemanufactured by fixing a smectic liquid crystal. When the smectic liquidcrystal is used, first, the smectic liquid crystal is allowed to align(near-)horizontally, and then fixed by polymerization,photo-crosslinking, or heat-crosslinking.

Since the smectic liquid crystal causes only a small depolarization byscattering of the optically anisotropic layer due to fluctuation inalignment, so that it may be more preferably used for applications wherea relatively large retardation of 100 nm or above is required. Thesmectic phase may be selectable from SmA, SmB, SmC, or phases of higherorders, without special limitation.

Whether the liquid crystalline compound is fixed in a state of smecticphase or not may be confirmed by observing the X-ray diffractionpattern. If fixed in a state of the smectic phase, an X-ray diffractionpattern attributable to orderliness of the layers will be observed,based on which the state of fixation may be determined. In the opticallyanisotropic layer of the present invention, a smectic liquid crystal maybe fixed in a state of nematic phase. Whether the liquid crystallinecompound is fixed in a state of nematic phase or not is confirmed byobserving X-ray diffraction pattern. If fixed in a state of nematicphase, only a broad halo pattern is observed in the high angle region,without a sharp peak in the low angle side which is derived from layerformation. The state of fixation may be determined in this way.

While the thickness d of the optically anisotropic layer of the presentinvention may vary depending on the material to be used or target valueof retardation, only a small thickness will suffice to achieve asufficient level of performance, since the polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound has a large birefringence. The thickness d is thereforepreferably 100 nm to 5000 nm, more preferably 1000 to 5000 nm, and fromanother point of view, also preferably 200 nm to 3000 nm, and morepreferably 300 nm to 2000 nm.

In-plane retardation Re(550) of the optically anisotropic layer measuredat 550 nm is preferably 10 to 400 nm, and more preferably 20 to 375 nm,although the preferable range may vary depending on applications.

For an exemplary case where a λ/4 plate, typically used for circularpolarizing plate, is configured, in order to make the opticallyanisotropic layer serve as a retardation region with a retardation ofλ/4 or around, Re(550) is preferably 10 to 200 nm, more preferably 20 to165 nm, furthermore preferably 20 to 155 nm, and from another point ofview, also preferably 110 to 165 nm, further preferably 115 to 150 nm,and particularly 120 to 145 nm.

While Rth(550) is not specifically limited, considering that theoptically anisotropic layer is used as an A-plate, the Nz coefficientgiven by (Rth/Re)+0.5 preferably falls in the range from 0.8 to 1.2, andis most preferably 1.0.

For an exemplary case where a λ/2 plate is configured, in order to makethe optically anisotropic layer serve as a retardation region with aretardation of λ/2 or around, Re(550) is preferably 200 to 400 nm, andmore preferably 200 to 375 nm, and furthermore preferably 220 to 325 nm,and particularly 250 to 300 nm.

While Rth(550) is not specifically limited, considering that theoptically anisotropic layer is used as an A-plate, the Nz coefficientgiven by (Rth/Re)+0.5 preferably falls in the range from 0.8 to 1.2, andis most preferably 1.0.

Re(550)/d is preferably 0.01 to 0.2, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1,furthermore preferably 0.02 to 0.06, and particularly 0.03 to 0.06.

The higher the contrast, the better the display quality. However, sincethe contrast is reversely proportional to Re(550)/d, the contrast ispreferably 40,000 to 1,200,000, more preferably 50,000 to 200,000, andfurthermore preferably 100,000 to 200,000.

For the case where it is used as a laminate in combination with apositive C-plate, Re(550) preferably satisfies, for example, 100nmRe(550)180 nm, more preferably satisfies 100 nmRe(550)150 nm, andfurthermore preferably satisfies 120 nmRe(550)140 nm, although theoptimum value may vary depending on physical properties of the C-plateto be combined. Also the thickness retardation Rth(550) of the opticallyanisotropic layer, measured at 550 nm, preferably satisfies 30nmRth(550)100 nm, more preferably satisfies 40 nmRth(550)90 nm, andfurthermore preferably satisfies 50 nmRth(550)80 nm, although thepreferably range may vary depending on applications.

[Polymerizable Rod-Like Liquid Crystal Compound Used for ManufacturingOptically Anisotropic Layer]

The polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showing smecticphase, used in the present invention, has at least a rigid moiety called“mesogen group”, and a polymerizable group.

The polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound becomes less solubleinto organic solvent for industrial use, such as MEK, when the molecularweight thereof increases, so that it may become difficult to obtain adesired coated film by solvent coating, the manufacturability maydegrade, and also the film quality, such as surface texture, of theresultant optically anisotropic layer may degrade. Therefore, thepolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showing smectic phasepreferably has a molecular weight of 1300 or smaller.

The polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound is particularlypreferably a compound represented by the formula (I) below. Formula (I):

Q¹-SP¹-X¹-M¹-(Y¹-L-Y²-M²)_(n)-X²-Q² where, n is an integer representingthe number of repetition of (Y¹-L-Y²-M²) which is 0 or more, each of Q¹and Q² represents a polymerizable group, each of SP¹ and SP² representsa straight-chain or branched alkylene group, or a group composed of acombination of straight-chain or branched alkylene, with at least eitherof —O— and —C(═O)—, having 2 to 8 carbon atoms in total; each of X¹ andX² represents a single bond or oxygen atom; -Y¹-L-Y² represents astraight-chain alkylene group, or, a group composed of a combination ofstraight-chain alkylene group with —O— and/or —C(═O)—, having 3 to 18carbon atoms in total; M¹ is a group represented by—Ar¹—COO-Ar²—COO—Ar³—COO— or —Ar¹—COO—Ar²—COO—Ar³— or —Ar¹—COO—Ar²—Ar³—;M² is a group represented by —Ar³—COO—Ar²—COO—Ar¹—OCO— or —Ar³ 13COO—Ar²—COO—Ar¹— or —Ar³—COO—Ar²—Ar¹—; and each of A¹, Ar² and Ar³independently represents phenylene or biphenylene, substituted by anarbitrary number of bromine atom, methyl group, or methoxy group.

Each of the polymerizable groups Q¹ and Q² is preferably aradical-polymerizable group (for example, ethylenic unsaturated group)or ring-opening polymerizable group (for example, epoxy group, oxetanegroup). The ring-opening polymerizable group is particularly preferable,since it causes only a small polymerization shrinkage, and can thereforesuppress the layers from coming excessively close to each other.

Each of SP¹ and SP² is called “spacer group”, which connects apolymerizable group and a mesogen group.

The spacer group is preferably a C₂₋₁₂ alkylene group or alkylene oxide.Alkylene oxide is more preferable.

The alkylene oxide is preferably ethylene oxide. Two or three ethyleneoxide units are preferably contained, since the liquid crystal phase iscontrollable over wider temperature range.

Each of X¹ and X² represents a linking group, and is selected fromsingle bond and oxygen atom.

n represent an integer of 0 or larger. Increase in n means a productionof a liquid crystal molecule having already-polymerized mesogen group,so that polymerization shrinkage in the process of forming the opticallyanisotropic layer may be reduced.

Note however that the smectic liquid crystal has a large inter-molecularinteraction, so that increase in n results in elevation of theviscosity, and the alignment will need higher temperature and longertime. Accordingly, n is preferably 0 to 3, more preferably 0 to 2, andparticularly 0 to 1.

Each of Ar¹, Ar² and Ar³ independently represents phenylene orbiphenylene, substituted by an arbitrary number of bromine atom, methylgroup, or methoxy group. The total number of benzene rings contained inAr¹, Ar² and Ar³ is preferably 3 to 6, more preferably 3 to 5, andparticularly 3 to 4.

Specific examples of the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compoundrepresented by the formula (1) will be shown below, without limiting thepresent invention.

TABLE 1

Number of compound SP L R (1-1) —(CH 

)₄— —(CH 

)₃— H (1-2) —(CH 

)₄— —(CH 

)₃— Br (1-3) —(CH 

)₄— —(CH 

)₃— OCH₃ (1-4) —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH 

— —(CH 

)₃— H (1-5) —(CH₂CH₂O)₂CH₂CH₂— —(CH 

)₄— H (1-6) —(CH₂CH₂O)₂CH₂CH₂— —(CH₂CH₂O)₂CH₂CH₂— H.

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

The compounds represented by the formulae (I) can be synthesized by acombination of known synthesis reactions. Specifically, these compoundscan be synthesized by methods disclosed in various documents (forexample, Methoden der Organischen Chemie (Houben-Weyl), Some specificmethods (Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart); Experimental Chemistry (JikkenKagaku Koza); and New Experimental Chemistry (Shin Jikken Kagaku Koza)).Also available are the synthesis methods disclosed in the specificationsof U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,327, 4,983,479, 5,622,648, and 5,770,107,International Publication Nos. WO 95/22586, WO 97/00600, and WO98/47979, and British Patent No. 2,297,549.

It is particularly preferable that the polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound is a compound represented by the formula (II) below.

L¹-G¹-D¹—Ar-D²-G²-L² Formula (II) where, each of D¹ and D² independentlyrepresents —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —C(═S)O—, —O—C(═S)—, —CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—CR³R⁴—,—O—CR¹R²—, —CR¹R²—O—, —CR¹R²—O—CR³R⁴—, —CR¹R²—O—CO—, —O—CO—CR¹R²—, 13CR¹R²—O—CO—CR³R⁴—, —CR¹R²—CO—O—CR³R⁴—, —NR¹-CR²R³—, —CR¹R²—NR³—, —CO—NR¹or —NR¹—CO—; each of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ independently represents ahydrogen atom, halogen atom, or C₁₋₄ alkyl group; each of G¹ and G²independently represents a C₅₋₈ divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, amethylene group contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may besubstituted by —O—, —S—, —NH— or —NH—, each of L¹ and L² independentlyrepresents a monovalent organic group, and at least one selected fromthe group consisting of L¹ and L² represents a monovalent group having apolymerizable group, Ar represents a divalent aromatic ring grouprepresented by the formulae (II-1), (II-2), (II-3) or (II-4) below;

In the formulae (II-1) to (II-4), Q₁ represents —S—, —O— or —NR¹¹, whereR¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group; Y₁ represents aC₆₋₁₂ aromatic hydrocarbon group, or, C₃₋₁₂ aromatic heterocyclic group.Each of Z₁, Z₂ and Z₃ independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₂₀aliphatic hydrocarbon group, C₃₋₂₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group,monovalent C₆₋₂₀ aromatic hydrocarbon group, halogen atom, cyano group,nitro group, —NR¹²R¹³ or —SR¹², Z₁ and Z₂ may combine with each other toform an aromatic ring or aromatic heterocycle, each of R¹² and R¹³independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group, each of A₁and A₂ independently represents a group selected from the groupconsisting of —O—, —NR²¹—(R²¹ represents a hydrogen atom orsubstituent), —S— and CO—, X represents a Groups XIV to XVI nonmetalatom to which a hydrogen atom or substituent may be bound, Ax representsan C230 organic group having at least one aromatic ring selected fromthe group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon ring and aromaticheterocycle, Ay represents a hydrogen atom, C₁₋₆ alkyl group which mayhave a substituent, or, a C₂₋₃₀ organic group having at least onearomatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbonring and aromatic heterocycle. The aromatic ring contained in Ax and Aymay have a substituent. Ax and Ay may combine together to form a ring;Q₂ represents a hydrogen atom, or, C₁₋₆ alkyl group which may have asubstituent.

As for definitions and preferable ranges of the individual substituentsrepresented by the formula (II), D¹, D², G¹, G², L¹, L², R¹, R², R³, R⁴,X¹, Y¹, Z₁ and Z₂ may be referred respectively to the description on D¹,D², G¹, G², L¹, L², R¹, R², R³, R⁴, X¹, Y¹, Q¹ and Q² of Compound (A) inJP-A-2012-21068; A₁, A₂ and X may be referred to the description on A₁,A₂ and X of the compound represented by the formula (I) inJP-A-2008-107767; and Ax, Ay and Q₂ may be referred to the descriptionon Ax, Ay and Q¹ of the compound represented by the formula (I) inWO2013/018526. Z₃ may be referred to the description on Q¹ of Compound(A) in JP-A-2012-21068.

In particular, the organic group represented by each of L₁ and L₂ ispreferably a group represented by -D₃-G₃-Sp-P₃. D₃ is same as D₁; G3represents a C₆₋₁₂ divalent aromatic ring or heterocycle or C₅₋₈divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group; methylene group contained in thealicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted by —O—, —S—, —NH— or—NH—, Sp represents a spacer group typically represented by —(CH₂)_(n)—,—(CH₂)_(n)—O—, —(CH₂—O—)_(n)— or —(CH₂CH₂—O—)_(m) (n represents aninteger of 2 to 12, and m represents an integer of 2 to 6), and P₃represents a polymerizable group such as acryloyl group.

Preferable examples of the compounds represented by the formula (II)will be shown below, without limiting the present invention.

TABLE 2 No Ax Ay Q₂ II-3-1 

H H II-3-2 

H H II-3-3 

H H II-3-4  Ph Ph H II-3-5 

H H II-3-6 

H H II-3-7 

CH₃ H II-3-8 

C₄H₉ H II-3-9 

C₆H₁₃ H II-3-10

H II-3-11

H II-3-12

CH₂CN H II-3-13

H II-3-14

H II-3-15

CH₂CH₂OH H II-3-16

H H II-3-17

CH₂CF₃ H II-3-18

H CH₃ II-3-19

H II-3-20

H II-3-21

H II-3-22

H II-3-23

H II-3-24

H II-3-25

C₆H₁₃ H

TABLE 3 No Ax Ay Q₂ II-3-30

H H II-3-31

H H II-3-32

H H II-3-33 Ph Ph H II-3-34

H H II-3-35

H H II-3-36

CH₃ H II-3-37

C₄H₉ H II-3-38

C₆H₁₃ H II-3-39

H II-3-40

H II-3-41

CH₂CN H II-3-42

H II-3-43

H II-3-46

CH₂CH₂OH H II-3-45

H H II-3-46

CH₂CF₃ H II-3-47

H CH₃ II-3-48

H II-3-49

H II-3-50

H II-3-51

H II-3-52

H II-3-53

H II-3-54

C₆H₁₃ H

The content of the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compoundshowing smectic phase is preferably 50 to 98% by mass, more preferably70 to 95% by mass of the total solid content of the polymerizablecomposition.

[Polymerizable Composition]

The polymerizable composition used in the present invention may be addedwith polymerizable rod-like compound, any solvent and additive, besidesat least one of polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showingsmectic phase.

(Polymerizable Rod-Like Compound)

The polymerizable composition may be added with a polymerizable rod-likecompound, besides the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound.The polymerizable rod-like compound does not always necessarily haveliquid crystallinity. By adding the polymerizable rod-like compound,temperature range of the smectic phase of the polymerizable compositionmay be controlled.

Since the polymerizable rod-like compound is used while being mixed withthe polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showing smecticphase, and is handled as a polymerizable composition, any of thosehighly compatible with the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystalcompound showing smectic phase is preferably used.

In particular, those having a structure represented by the formula (2)below are preferably used.

Formula (2): Q³—SP³—X³-M³-(Y³-L-Y⁴-M⁴)_(m)—X⁴—SP⁴-Q⁴ where, m is aninteger representing the number of repetition of (Y³-L-Y⁴-M⁴) which is 0or more, each of Q³ and Q⁴ represents a polymerizable group, SP³ and SP⁴represent a same group which is a straight-chain or branched alkylenegroup, or, a group composed of a combination of a straight-chain orbranched alkylene group, with —O— and/or —C(αO)—, having 2 to 8 carbonatoms in total; X³ and X⁴ represent a same group which is a single bondor oxygen atom; —Y³-L-Y⁴- represents a straight-chain alkylene group,or, a group composed of a combination of straight-chain alkylene groupwith —O— and/or —C(═O)—, having, in integer, 3 to 18 carbon atoms intotal; and each of M³ and M⁴ represents a group composed of two or morearomatic rings, and —O— and/or —C(═O)—.

The groups composing the formula (2) may be same as those in the formula(1). A polymerizable group of the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystalcompound and a polymerizable group of the polymerizable rod-likecompound may be same or different, and preferably same.

When the polymerizable rod-like compound is used, the amount of thecompound is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, preferably 5 to 45% by mass ofthe polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compound showing smecticphase.

In the present invention, also combined use of two or more differentrod-like liquid crystalline compounds is a preferable mode ofembodiment, in view of suppressing crystallization. The rod-like liquidcrystal to be combined may be a monofunctional or non-polymerizableliquid crystal.

A particularly preferable embodiment of the present invention is thattwo different polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compounds,represented by the formula (II) above, are used in combination. Bestembodiment is such that Ar in the formula (II) is (II-2), and that twospecies differ in the structure of (II-2).

(Non-Liquid Crystalline Multifunctional Polymerizable Compound)

The polymerizable composition may be added with a non-liquid crystallinemultifunctional polymerizable compound. By adding the non-liquidcrystalline multifunctional polymerizable compound, the layers of thesmectic phase will be coupled via the non-liquid crystallinemultifunctional polymerizable compound, so that the layer are preventedfrom being too close.

Examples of the non-liquid crystalline multifunctional polymerizablecompound include ester of polyhydric alcohol and (meth)acrylic acid(i.e., ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-cyclohexane diacrylate,pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate,trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolethanetri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate,dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritolhexa(meth)acrylate, 1,2,3-cyclohexane tetramethacrylate, polyurethanepolyacrylate, polyester polyacrylate); vinylbenzene and its derivative(i.e., 1,4-divinylbenzene, 4-vinylbenzoic acid-2-acryloylethyl ester,1,4-divinylcyclohexanone); vinylsulfone (i.e., divinylsulfone);acrylamide (i.e., methylenebisacrylamide); and methacrylamide.

Note now that if the amount of addition of the non-liquid crystallinemultifunctional polymerizable compound increases, the developability ofretardation by the optically anisotropic layer will be diluted, so thatthe amount of addition is preferably 0 to 20% by mass in terms of solidconcentration, more preferably 0 to 10% by mass, and particularly 0 to5% by mass. The amount of addition in terms of solid concentration ispreferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass,furthermore preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, or, preferably 1 to 20% bymass, more preferably 1 to 10% by mass, and particularly 1 to 5% bymass.

(Polymerization Initiator)

In need of fixation while keeping the state of alignment, the liquidcrystalline compound is polymerized by a polymerization reactionparticipated by a polymerizable group introduced thereinto. For thispurpose, the coating liquid is preferably added with a polymerizationinitiator. The polymerization reaction includes heat polymerizationusing a heat polymerization initiator, photo-polymerization using aphoto-polymerization initiator, and EB curing using electron beam. Amongthem, photo-polymerization is preferable, in which the amount ofaddition is preferably 1 to 5% by mass of the total polymerizablecompound which includes the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystalcompound showing smectic phase and other polymerizable rod-likecompound.

Examples of the additive used when the optically anisotropic layer isformed using the polymerizable composition, other than those describedabove, include surfactant for controlling surface property or surfaceprofile, additive (alignment auxiliary) for controlling tilt angle ofthe liquid crystalline compound, additive (plasticizer) for lowering thealignment temperature, polymerizable monomer, and chemicals forimparting other functionality. They may be used by suitable choice.

(Solvent)

For the purpose of improving the manufacturability, such as lowering theviscosity in the process of forming the optically anisotropic layer, thepolymerizable composition may be added with a solvent.

The solvent usable here is not specifically limited so long as it doesnot degrade the manufacturability. The solvent is preferably at leastone selected from the group consisting of ketone, ester, ether, alcohol,alkane, toluene, chloroform and methylene chloride, more preferably atleast one selected from the group consisting of ketone, ester, ether,alcohol and alkane, and particularly at least one selected from thegroup consisting of ketone, ester, ether and alcohol.

The amount of use of the solvent is generally 50 to 90% by mass in termsof concentration in the polymerizable composition, but not limitedthereto.

[Laminate and Method of Manufacturing the Same]

The laminate of the present invention comprises the opticallyanisotropic layer of the present invention.

Examples of the laminate of the present invention includes, but notspecifically limited to, a laminate having the optically anisotropiclayer of the present invention formed over the surface of thephoto-aligned film; a laminate having the optically anisotropic layer ofthe present invention formed over the surface of the rubbed alignmentfilm; and a laminate having a uniaxial birefringence layer, which hasthe refractive index in the thickness direction larger than therefractive index in the in-plane direction (that is, positive A-plate),formed over the surface of the optically anisotropic layer of thepresent invention.

[Methods of Manufacturing Optically Anisotropic Layer and Laminate]

The optically anisotropic layer of the present invention is obtained bycoating the above-described polymerizable composition over the support,followed by aligning, and fixation of the aligned state.

(Support)

The support used for forming the optically anisotropic layer is notspecifically limited.

For the case where the optically anisotropic layer after formed is usedby peeling it from the support, the support may be composed of amaterial capable of yielding an easy-to-peel surface. This sort oftentative support used for the convenience of forming may be configuredby glass, or polyester film not subjected to easy adhesion treatment.

It is also preferable to form the optically anisotropic layer on atransparent polymer film and then to use them in the form of laminate.Materials for composing the polymer film, intended for use in the formof laminate, are preferably selectable from those used as opticalmaterials, which include cellulose, cyclic olefin, acryl, polycarbonate,polyester, and polyvinyl alcohol.

Alternatively, the optically anisotropic layer may be formed directly,without being laminated with the polymer film, on a rubbed polarizer tobe used in the form of thin-film polarizing plate, or directly on aglass substrate for the liquid crystal cell.

(Alignment Process and Alignment Film)

In the process of forming the optically anisotropic layer, there needsto be some technique for aligning molecules of the liquid crystallinecompound in the composition to a desired state. It is general to use,for example, an alignment film to align the liquid crystalline compoundto a desired direction. The alignment film is exemplified by rubbed filmof organic compound such as polymer; obliquely deposited film ofinorganic compound; micro-grooved film; and accumulated membranecomposed of an organic compound such as co-tricosanoic acid,dioctadecylmethylammonium chloride or methyl stearate, obtained by theLangmuir-Blodgett (LB) method. A film obtained by rubbing the surface ofa polymer layer is preferably used as the alignment film. The rubbingprocess is implemented by rubbing the surface of the polymer layer withpaper or cloth, several times unidirectionally. Polymers preferablyusable for the alignment film include polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol,polymerizable group-containing polymer described in JP-A-H09-152509, andorthogonal alignment film described in JP-A-2005-97377, JP-A-2005-99228,and JP-A-2005-128503. Note that the orthogonal alignment film in thecontext of the present invention is an alignment film capable ofaligning the longitudinal axis of the molecule of the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound of the present invention, in thedirection substantially orthogonal to the direction of rubbing of theorthogonal alignment film. The alignment film need not be so thick, solong it can provide an alignment function, and is preferably 0.01 to 5μm thick, and more preferably 0.05 to 2 μm thick.

It is also preferable to use a so-called, photo-aligned film, which isobtained by irradiating a photo-alignable material with polarized lightof non-polarized light. Namely, a photo-alignable material may be coatedon a support, to form the photo-aligned film. Polarized light may beirradiated onto the photo-aligned film vertically or obliquely, whereasnon-polarized light may be irradiated obliquely to the photo-alignedfilm.

The photo-alignable material usable for the photo-aligned film in thepresent invention is described a number of literatures. Preferableexamples of the materials usable for the photo-aligned film of thepresent invention include azo compounds described in JP-A-2006-285197,JP-A-2007-76839, JP-A-2007-138138, JP-A-2007-94071, JP-A-2007-121721,JP-A-2007-140465, JP-A-2007-156439, JP-A-2007-133184, JP-A-2009-109831,JP-B-3883848 and JP-B-4151746; aromatic ester compound described inJP-A-2002-229039; maleimide and/or alkenyl-substituted nadic imidecompound having photo-alignable unit described in JP-A-2002-265541 andJP-A-2002-317013; photo-crosslinkable silane derivatives described inJP-B-4205195 and JP-B-4205198; photo-crosslinkable polyimides,polyamides, or esters described in JP-T-2003-520878, JP-T-2004-529220and JP-B-4162850; photo-dimerizable compounds described inJP-A-H09-118717, JP-T-H10-506420, JP-T-2003-505561, WO2010/150748,JP-A-2013-177561 and JP-A-2014-12823, especially cinnamate compound,chalcone compound and coumarin compound. Azo compound,photo-crosslinkable polyimide, polyamide, ester, cinnamate compound, andchalcone compound are particularly preferable.

Specific examples of particularly preferable photo-alignable materialare exemplified by the compounds represented by the formula (X) below,described in JP-A-2006-285197:

(where, each of R¹ and R² independently represents a hydroxy group, or apolymerizable group selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryloylgroup, (meth)acryloyloxy group, (meth)acrylamide group, vinyl group,vinyloxy group, and maleimide group.

When R¹ is a hydroxy group, X¹ represents a single bond, and when R¹ isa polymerizable group, X¹ represents a linking group represented by-(A¹-B¹)_(m). When R² is a hydroxy group, X² represents a single bond,and when R² or R⁸ is a polymerizable group, X² represents a linkinggroup represented by —(A²-B²)_(n)—. Now A¹ combines with R¹ or R⁷, A²combines with R² or R⁸, and, each of B¹ and B² combines with therespective adjacent phenylene group. Each of A¹ and A² independentlyrepresents a single bond, or divalent hydrocarbon group, and each of B¹and B² independently represents a single bond, —O—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—,—CO—NH—, —NH—CO—, —NH—CO—O—, or —O—CO—NH—. Each of m and n independentlyrepresents an integer of 0 to 4. When m or n is 2 or larger, a pluralityof each of A¹, B¹ A² and B² may be same or different. A¹ or A², heldbetween two (B¹)s or (B²)s is not a single bond. Each of R³ and R⁴independently represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, carboxy group,halogenated methyl group, halogenated methoxy group, cyano group, nitrogroup, —OR⁷ (where, R⁷ represents a C₁₋₆ lower alkyl group, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl group or C₁₋₆ lower alkyl group substituted by C₁₋₆ loweralkoxy group), C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl group, or —CONR⁸R⁹ (each of R⁸ and R⁹independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ lower alkyl group), ormethoxycarbonyl group. The carboxy group may form a salt with an alkalimetal. Each of R⁵ and R⁶ independently represents a carboxy group, sulfogroup, nitro group, amino group, or hydroxy group. Each of carboxy groupand sulfo group may form a salt with an alkali metal.)

By appropriately selecting the material for the alignment film, thealignment film may be peeled from the tentative support, or only theoptically anisotropic layer may be peeled. More specifically, by bondingor transferring the thus peeled optically anisotropic layer, a thinoptically anisotropic layer of several micrometers thick may beprovided. Another preferable embodiment is such as forming, by coating,the rubbed alignment film or photo-aligned film directly onto the linearpolarizer, and then subjecting the film to rubbing or photo-alignmentprocess to impart an aligning function. In other words, the laminate ofthe present invention may have a linear polarizer, on the surface ofwhich a photo-aligned film or rubbed alignment film is formed.

In the present invention, the pre-tilt angle of the polymerizablerod-like liquid crystal compound contained in the optically anisotropiclayer can be 0°. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that aphoto-aligned film is used as the alignment film. By using a retardationfilm which contains the optically anisotropic layer having a pre-tiltangle of 0° in the IPS-mode device particularly, it becomes possible toproperly balance high front contrast as a result of suppressed leakageof light and good viewing angle dependence as a result of reduced changein hue in oblique view. In one preferred embodiment, the photo-alignedfilm used in the present invention is given an alignment-regulatingperformance, by irradiating thereonto polarized light vertically orobliquely, or by irradiating thereonto non-polarized light obliquely.The oblique direction in the process of oblique irradiation preferablylies in the direction of 5° to 45° to the photo-aligned film, and morepreferably in the direction of 10° to 30°. Irradiation dose of UV lightis preferably 200 to 2000 mJ/cm².

(Control of Phase Transition)

The liquid crystal phase of the rod-like liquid crystalline compound maybe changed generally by changing temperature or pressure. Lyotropicliquid crystal may be changed also by the amount of solvent. In thepresent invention, phase transition under temperature change ispreferable, taking subsequent operations for fixing the state of smecticphase into consideration.

It is general that temperature range in which the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound develops the nematic phase, is higher than thetemperature range in which the rod-like liquid crystalline compounddevelops the smectic phase. It is preferable to heat the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound up to the temperature range where the compounddevelops the nematic phase, and then to decrease the heating temperaturedown to the temperature range where the rod-like liquid crystallinecompound develops the smectic phase, so that the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound is changed from the nematic phase to the smecticphase.

In the present invention, the temperature at which the polymerizablecomposition containing the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystalcompound changes from the smectic phase to the nematic phase, ispreferably 100° C. or lower, more preferably 90° C. or lower,furthermore preferably 80° C. or lower, and particularly 70° C. orlower. The lower limit of the temperature at which the smectic phasechanges into the nematic phase is generally 20° C. or higher, althoughnot specifically limited.

The temperature at which the polymerizable composition changes from thesmectic phase into the nematic phase can be easily determined byobservation under a polarizing microscope. For example, the nematicphase develops its unique Schlieren texture, whereas the smectic-A phaseappears with focalconic fan texture, so that the phase transitiontemperature may be determined by observing the texture under apolarizing microscope under heating or cooling.

In the temperature range where the rod-like liquid crystalline compounddevelops the nematic phase, it is necessary to heat the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound for a certain length of time before the compoundfinishes to form mono-domain. The heating time is preferably 10 secondsto 20 minutes, more preferably 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and mostpreferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

In the temperature range where the rod-like liquid crystalline compounddevelops the smectic phase, it is necessary to heat the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound for a certain length of time before the compounddevelops the smectic phase. The heating time is preferably 10 seconds to20 minutes, more preferably 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and mostpreferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

In the present invention, also a polymerizable rod-like liquid crystalcompound capable of showing a higher order of smectic phase, togetherwith the nematic phase, may be used as the polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound, by which the nematic phase may be improved to havehigh contrast with a reduced amount of scattered component, unlike theusual nematic phase. This feature will be achieved distinctively,particularly when the reverse-wavelength-dispersion liquid crystallinecompound, represented by the formula (II) above, is used.

Accordingly, in another preferable embodiment of the present invention,the rod-like liquid crystalline compound may be heated in thetemperature range where the nematic phase develops so as to produce themonodomain in this temperature range, followed by fixation. Theretardation film manufactured according to this embodiment was found toachieve a contrast which is distinctively larger than that achievable bythe usual retardation film manufactured using a rod-like liquidcrystalline compound capable of showing the nematic phase only.

In the temperature range where the rod-like liquid crystalline compoundappears in the nematic phase, it is necessary to heat the rod-likeliquid crystalline compound for a certain length of time before thecompound finishes to form mono-domain. The heating time is preferably 10seconds to 20 minutes, more preferably 10 seconds to 10 minutes, andmost preferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

For the case where a compound, showing phase transition under heating inthe order of smectic phase→nematic phase→isotropic phase is used, thecomposition is once heated to, or above, the phase transitiontemperature between the nematic phase and isotropic phase, and thengradually cooled at a predetermined rate down to, or below, the phasetransition temper between the smectic phase and the nematic phase, orthe phase transition temperature between the smectic phase and theisotropic phase. Thus the composition may be changed via the nematicphase to the smectic phase. The temperature reached after cooling ispreferably 10° C. or more lower than the phase transition temperaturebetween the smectic phase and the nematic phase, or the phase transitiontemperature between the smectic phase and the isotropic phase. The rateof cooling is preferably 1 to 100° C./min, and more preferably 5 to 50°C./min. Too fast rate of cooling would result in alignment failure,whereas too slow rate would result in prolonged time of manufacturing.

It is also possible in the present invention to control the till angleof the optically anisotropic layer, by inclining the molecules of theliquid crystalline compound, while keeping the primary structures of thesmectic phase appropriately spaced from each other.

Methods of controlling the tilt angle of the liquid crystalline compoundinclude a method of creating a pre-tilt angle using an alignment filmmanufacture by controlled rubbing; and a method of adding a tilt anglecontrol agent to the liquid crystal layer so as to control the polarangle on the support side or air interface side. Both methods arepreferably combined.

The tilt angle control agent is typically a copolymer of fluoroaliphaticgroup-containing monomers. Preferable examples include copolymer with afunctional group of aromatic condensed ring; and a copolymer with amonomer having a carboxy group, sulfo group, phosphonoxy group, or saltsthereof. The tilt angle will be controllable in a more precise andstable manner, by using a plurality of tilt angle control agents. Suchtilt angle control agents may be referred to those described inparagraphs [0022] to [0063] of JP-A-2008-257205, and paragraphs [0017]to [0124] of JP-A-2006-91732.

The nematic liquid crystal has no highly ordered structure, lesssusceptible to polymerization shrinkage when the state of alignment isfixed by polymerization, and thereby a homogeneous alignment with a tiltangle of 10° or smaller may be obtained as a consequence. On the otherhand, the smectic liquid crystal has a laminar structure, and the layeras a whole can incline due to shrinkage in volume or strain in theprocess of fixation based on polymerization or super-cooling. Thesmectic liquid crystal will therefore have an increased tilt angle, willfail to achieve the homogeneous alignment, and (i) will produce defectsdue to the inclination, and will result in light scattering and degradedcontrast, and (ii) will produce asymmetry due to the inclination, andwill fail, in particular in an IPS-mode device based on opticalalignment, in compensating a liquid crystal display (liquid crystal inthe cell has a tilt angle of) 0°. The present inventors found outspecific techniques for achieving a tilt angle of 10° or smaller, in theprocess of fixation by polymerization of the smectic liquid crystal,including the following:

a method of using a compound represented by the the formula (I) incombination with a compound represented by the formula (2), aimed torelax strain in the laminar structure of the smectic phase;

a method of using smectic liquid crystal with reverse wavelengthdispersion (typically any of compounds represented by the formula (II))(in-plane alignment, or a tilt angle of 10° or smaller, is achievable byvirtue of the molecular geometry bulged in the direction orthogonal tothe longitudinal direction of the molecule, and of increased planarityas a consequence);

a method of using a tilt angle control agent (tilt angle control agenteffective at the boundary with the air), aimed to impart anchoring forcein the direction of polar angle, also at the interface with the air; and

a method of using a photo-aligned film.

(Fixation of State of Alignment)

The state of alignment may be fixed by heat polymerization, orpolymerization assisted by active energy ray, and by appropriatelyselecting polymerizable group or polymerization initiator suitable forthe polymerization. Considering now the manufacturability, preferablyused is polymerization under UV irradiation. If the dose of UVirradiation is insufficient, an unpolymerized portion of thepolymerizable rod-like liquid crystal will remain, which is causative oftemperature-dependent or time-dependent degradation of the opticalcharacteristic.

It is therefore preferable to determine conditions for irradiation so asto suppress the content of the residual polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal to 5% or below. The irradiation is preferably given at a dose of200 mJ/cm² or more as a guide, although the conditions for irradiationmay vary depending on formulation of the polymerizable composition orthickness of the optically anisotropic layer.

[Application of Optically Anisotropic Layer]

The optically anisotropic layer of the present invention may bepreferably used for various applications, by virtue of its largedevelopability of retardation and low depolarization, as a result ofhigh orderliness of alignment of the liquid crystalline compoundattributable to the smectic phase. The optically anisotropic film isuseful, for example, as optical compensation film used for opticalcompensation of liquid crystal cell, wide-band λ/4 plate used forpreventing reflection of external light on organic EL display device,or, retardation plates such as λ/2 plate and λ/4 plate.

The optically anisotropic layer of the present invention can also yieldscatterless, high contrast A-plate or quasi-A-plate. In particular,since it can yield A-plate or quasi-A-plate with reverse wavelengthdispersion, so that it is preferably used as wide-band λ/4 plate oforganic EL display device, or as optical compensation film of liquidcrystal display device.

In particular, since the optically anisotropic layer of the presentinvention can yield A-plate or quasi-A-plate with suppressed tilt angle,it is preferably used as optical compensation film for IPS-mode orFFS-mode liquid crystal display device which uses a photo-aligned filmwith a pre-tilt angle of 0°.

In this specification, any optically anisotropic film having a smalltilt angle (low tilt angle), typically 10° or smaller and particularly1° or smaller, is assumed as a uniaxial birefringence layer having theslow axis substantially in the in-plane direction.

One exemplary embodiment of the optically anisotropic layer of thepresent invention relates to a positive A-plate having Re(450), Re(550)and Re(650), being retardation values measured at 450 nm, 550 nm and 650nm respectively, which satisfy the formulae (1) to (3) below:

Formula (1) 100≤Re(550)≤180 nm

Formula (2) 0.70≤Re(450)/Re(550)≤0.90

Formula (3) 1.00≤Re(650)/Re(550)≤1.30

The optically anisotropic layer may further be laminated with a positiveC-plate having Rth(550), being a thickness retardation value measured at550 nm, which satisfies the formula (4) below. By using the laminate,for example, as an optical compensation film of the IPS-mode device oran anti-reflection film for the organic EL display device, hue changesand leakage of light in oblique view can be improved to a large degree.

Formula (4) -180≤Rth(550)≤−10

The positive C-plate in the present invention preferably satisfies−5≤Re(550)≤5(|Re(550)|≤5), and more preferably satisfies−3≤Re(550)≤3(|Re(550)|≤3).

The positive C-plate also preferably satisfies —300≤Rth(550)<0, morepreferably satisfies −200≤Rth(550)≤−60, and furthermore preferablysatisfies −180Rth≤(550)≤−80.

The positive C-plate is particularly preferable when the Rth(450),Rth(550) and Rth(650), which are thickness retardation values measuredat 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm, satisfy the formulae (1) and (2) below:

Formula (1) 0.70≤Rth(450)/Rth(550)≤1.00

Formula (2) 0.99≤Rth(650)/Rth(550)≤1.30

By the setting within these ranges, the effect of the present inventionis fully demonstrated when the optical anisotropic layer is incorporatedinto the IPS-mode liquid crystal display device.

Also style of use of the optically anisotropic layer is not specificallylimited. For example, the optically anisotropic layer may be formeddirectly on the substrate of the liquid crystal cell or rubbed surfaceof the polarizer, or may be combined with a polymer film or otheroptical film by laminating or bonding, and used in the form of laminatewith controlled optical and mechanical characteristics.

[Polarizing Plate]

The present invention also relates to a polarizing plate having at leasta polarizer, and the optically anisotropic layer or the laminate of thepresent invention. In one embodiment of the polarizing plate of thepresent invention, the optically anisotropic layer or the laminate ofthe present invention is laminated on one surface of the polarizer, anda protective film is laminated on the other surface. The protective filmis preferably selected from polymer film usable as the support, withoutspecial limitation. The protective film is preferably exemplified bycellulose acylate film such as triacetyl cellulose film.

The polarizer includes iodine-containing polarizer, dye-containingpolarizer which contains a dichroic dye, and polyene-based polarizer,all of them are usable for the present invention. The iodine-containingpolarizer and dye-containing polarizer are generally manufactured usingpolyvinyl alcohol film.

The slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer of the presentinvention and the absorption axis of the linear polarizer preferablyform an angle of 45°±10° to 90°±10°, and more preferably 45° to 90°.

For the case where the polarizer, the positive A-plate and the positiveC-plate are laminated in this order, the direction of slow axis of thepositive A-plate and the direction of absorption axis of the polarizerpreferably form an angle of 90°±10°.

For the case where the polarizer, the positive C-plate and the positiveA-plate are laminated in this order, the direction of slow axis of thepositive A-plate and the direction of absorption axis of the polarizerare preferably in parallel. With such angular setting, the effect of thepresent invention is more distinctively demonstrated when incorporatedinto an IPS-mode liquid crystal display device.

For the case where the polarizer and the positive A-plate are laminatedin this order, the direction of slow axis of the positive A-plate andthe direction of absorption axis of the polarizer preferably form anangle of 45°±10°. With such angular setting, the effect of the presentinvention is more distinctively demonstrated when incorporated into anorganic EL display device.

[Liquid Crystal Display Device]

The present invention also relates to a liquid crystal display devicewhich comprises the optically anisotropic layer or the laminate of thepresent invention.

The liquid crystal display device generally has a liquid crystal cell,and two polarizing plates disposed on both sides thereof, and the liquidcrystal cell has two electrode substrates and a liquid crystal layerheld in between. One optically anisotropic layer may optionally bedisposed between the liquid crystal cell and one of the polarizingplates, or two optically anisotropic layers may be disposed respectivelybetween the liquid crystal cell and each of the polarizing plates.

The liquid crystal cell is preferably based on the TN mode, VA mode, OCBmode, IPS mode or ECB mode, and is more preferably based on the IPSmode. The IPS mode based on photo-alignment is particularly preferable.

[Organic EL Display Device]

The present invention also relates to an organic EL display device whichhas the optically anisotropic layer or laminate of the presentinvention.

In the organic EL display device, an anti-reflection plate may beconfigured by disposing a polarizer, the optically anisotropic layer,and an organic EL panel in this order.

The organic EL panel is a component which comprises a luminescent layeror a plurality of organic component films including the luminescentlayer, between a pair of electrodes which are anode and cathode. Besidesthe luminescent layer, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer,an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer and aprotective layer may be included, and each of these layers may haveother function. The individual layers may be formed using variousmaterials.

The anode is directed to supply hole typically to the hole injectionlayer, the hole transport layer and the luminescent layer, and may beconfigured by a metal, alloy, metal oxide, electro-conductive compoundor mixtures of these materials, preferably having a work function of 4eV or larger. Specific examples include electro-conductive metal oxidessuch as tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, and indium tin oxide (ITO);metals such as gold, silver, chromium and nickel; mixture or laminate ofthese metals and electro-conductive oxides; inorganic electro-conductivematerials such as copper iodide and copper sulfate; organicelectro-conductive materials such as polyaniline, polythiophene, andpolypyrrole; and laminate of these materials and ITO. Among them theelectro-conductive metal oxides are preferable, and ITO is particularlypreferable from the viewpoint of productivity, high conductivity, andtranslucency. Thickness of the anode is appropriately selectabledepending on materials, and is preferably 10 nm to 5μ in general, morepreferably 50 nm to 1 μm, and furthermore preferably 100 nm to 500 nm.

EXAMPLES

The characteristic features of the invention are described moreconcretely with reference to the following Examples and ComparativeExamples. In these Examples, the material used, its amount and theratio, the details of the treatment and the treatment process may besuitably modified or changed not overstepping the sprit and the scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be limitativelyinterpreted by the Examples mentioned below.

Example 1

<Manufacture of Support>

A 60-μm-thick cellulose acylate film (Re: 1 nm, Rth: −6 nm, haze: 0.2%)was manufactured according to a method of manufacturing celluloseacylate film F-2, described in Example 1 of JP-A-2009-098674.

<Saponification of Support>

A commercially available triacetyl cellulose film “Z-TAC” (from FujifilmCorporation) was used as a support. Z-TAC was allowed to pass over aninduction heating roll at 60° C. to elevate the temperature of the filmsurface to 40° C., and an alkali solution having the composition belowwas coated over one surface of the film, using a bar coater with anamount of coating of 14 ml/m², then heated to 110° C., and allowed totravel under a far infrared heater with steamer from Noritake Co., Ltd.for 10 seconds. Again using the bar coater, 3 ml/m² of pure water wascoated. Next, water washing process using a fountain coater anddewatering process using air knife were repeated three times, and thesupport was allowed to travel in a drying zone at 70° C. for 10 secondsfor drying. A transparent support of an alkali-saponified acetylcellulose was thus manufactured.

Composition of Alkali Solution (parts by mass) Potassium hydroxide  4.7parts by mass Water 15.8 parts by mass Isopropanol 63.7 parts by massSurfactant SF-1: C₁₄H₂₉O(CH₂CH₂O)₂₀H  1.0 part by mass Propylene glycol14.8 parts by mass

<Manufacture of Alignment Film>

On the acetyl cellulose transparent support, a coating liquid forforming alignment film A having the following composition wascontinuously coated using a #8 wire bar. The coating was dried under ahot air of 60° C. for 60 seconds, and further under a hot air of 100° C.for 120 seconds, to thereby form an alignment film A.

Composition of Coating Liquid for Forming Alignment Film A Modifiedpolyvinyl alcohol, shown below 2.4 parts by mass Isopropanol 1.6 partsby mass Methanol  36 parts by mass Water  60 parts by mass

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer>

Next, a coating liquid A for forming optically anisotropic layer, havingthe composition below, was prepared. The coating liquid was coated overthe surface of a slide glass, and observed under heating under apolarizing microscope. The phase transition temperature from thesmectic-A phase to the nematic phase was found to be 82° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid A for Forming Optically Anisotropic LayerSmectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-1  85 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-1  15 parts by mass Photo-polymerization initiator  3.0parts by mass (Irgacure 907, from BASF) Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 588 parts by mass Smectic liquidcrystalline compound Sm-1

Rod-like compound RL-1

Fluorine-containing compound A

 

The surface of the alignment film A, formed over the acetyl cellulosetransparent support, was then rubbed. The rubbed surface was then coatedwith the coating liquid A for forming optically anisotropic layer usinga bar coater. The film was then ripened under heating at a surfacetemperature of 100° C. for 60 seconds, cooled down to 70° C., andirradiated under air with 1000 mJ/cm² of UV light using a 70 mW/cm²air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fixthe state of alignment, to thereby form an optically anisotropic layer.In the thus formed optically anisotropic layer, the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound was found to align while directing the slow axis inparallel with the direction of rubbing. The optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 0.8 pm thick. The incident angle dependence of Re andthe tilt angle of the optical axis (that is, angle of inclination of thedirection of maximum refractive index of the optically anisotropiclayer, to the surface of the optically anisotropic layer) were measuredusing an automatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji ScientificCo., Ltd.). When measured at 550 nm, Re was found to be 128 nm, and thetilt angle of the optical axis was found to be 2°.

(X-Ray Diffractometry)

The thus formed optically anisotropic layer was analyzed by X-raydiffractometry, using the apparatus below:

X-ray diffractometer ATXG, Cu source (50 kV, 300 mA), Solar slit withangle of aperture of 0.45°

Results of analysis of the optically anisotropic layer manufactured inExample 1 is shown in FIG. 1. A peak indicating a laminar structure wasobserved at 20=2.2°, which was confirmed to be a diffracted lightattributable to orderliness of the smectic phase.

Example 2

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 83°C.

Example 3

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the dose of UV irradiation was set to 100 mJ/cm².

Example 4

A coating liquid for forming an alignment film B, having the compositionbelow, was coated on a glass plate using a wire bar coater. The coatingwas dried under a hot air of 100° C. for 120 seconds, and UV light wasirradiated under air using a 300 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp(from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.). The thus manufactured photo-aligned filmwas further irradiated under air vertically with UV light using a 160mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.). TheUV light was irradiated through a wire grid polarizer (ProFlux PPL02,from Moxtek, Inc.) which was set in parallel to the photo-aligned film,while aligning the transmission axis of the wire grid polarizer inparallel to the absorption axis of the polarizing plate. Illuminance ofthe UV light used here was set to 100 mW/cm² in the UV-A region(cumulative in the range from 380 nm to 320 nm), and the dose was set to1000 mJ/cm² in the UV-A region.

Composition of Coating Liquid for Forming Alignment Film B  Photo-alignable material, shown below  2 parts by mass   Chloroform 98parts by mass

An optically anisotropic layer was then formed over the alignment filmB, in the same way as Example 1. In the thus formed opticallyanisotropic layer, the rod-like liquid crystalline compound was found toalign while directing the slow axis in parallel with the transmissionaxis of polarizer.

Example 5

An optically anisotropic layer was formed in the same way as Example 1,except that a coating liquid B for forming optically anisotropic layer,having the composition below, was used in place of the coating liquid Afor forming optically anisotropic layer, and that the temperature of UVirradiation was set to 85° C. The coating liquid B for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was found to have a phase transition temperature, fromthe smectic-A phase to the nematic phase, of 100° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid B for Forming Optically Anisotropic LayerSmectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-1 100 parts by massPhoto-polymerization initiator A 3.0 parts by mass (Irgacure 907, fromBASF) Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 parts by mass Methyl ethylketone 588 parts by mass

Example 6

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that a coating liquid C for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid A for formingoptically anisotropic layer, and that the ripening temperature was setto 90° C., and the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 70° C. Thecoating liquid C for forming optically anisotropic layer was found tohave a phase transition temperature, from the smectic-A phase to thenematic phase, of 75° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid C for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-2   55 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-2   45 parts by mass Triphenylsulfonium tetrafluoroborate 3.0 parts by mass Fluorine-containing compound A  0.8 parts by massMethyl ethyl ketone  588 parts by mass

Example 7

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that a coating liquid D for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid A for formingoptically anisotropic layer, and that the ripening temperature was setto 120° C., and the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 90° C.Since smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-3 had only a poorsolubility to methyl ethyl ketone, so that chloroform was used as thesolvent. The coating liquid D for forming optically anisotropic layerwas found to have a phase transition temperature, from the smectic-Aphase to the nematic phase, of 115° C., and a phase transitiontemperature, from the smectic-C phase to the smectic-A phase, of 85° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid D for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-3   80 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-3   20 parts by mass Photo-polymerization initiator A  3.0parts by mass (Irgacure 907, from BASF) Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 parts by mass Chloroform  588 parts by mass

Example 8

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 7, except that a coating liquid E for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid D for formingoptically anisotropic layer, and that the temperature of UV irradiationwas set to 70° C. The coating liquid E for forming optically anisotropiclayer was found to have a phase transition temperature, from thesmectic-A phase to the nematic phase, of 115° C., and a phase transitiontemperature, from the smectic-C phase to the smectic-A phase, of 85° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid E for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-3   80 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-3   20 parts by mass Chiral agent A 0.05 parts by massPhoto-polymerization initiator A  3.0 parts by mass (Irgacure 907, fromBASF) Fluorine-containing compound A  0.8 parts by mass Chloroform  588parts by mass

Example 9

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that a coating liquid F for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid A for formingoptically anisotropic layer, and that the ripening temperature was setto 140° C., and the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 123° C.Since smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-4 had only a poorsolubility to methyl ethyl ketone, so that chloroform was used as thesolvent. The coating liquid F for forming optically anisotropic layerwas found to have a phase transition temperature, from the smectic-Aphase to the nematic phase, of 130° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid F for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-4   55 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-4   45 parts by mass Photo-polymerization initiator  3.0parts by mass (Irgacure 907, from BASF) Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 parts by mass Chloroform  588 parts by mass

Example 10

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that a coating liquid G for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid A for formingoptically anisotropic layer.

Composition of Coating Liquid G for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-1   85 parts by mass   Rod-likecompound RL-1   15 parts by mass   Photo-polymerization initiator B  3.0parts by mass   Fluorine-containing compound A  0.8 parts by mass  Methyl ethyl ketone  588 parts by mass

Example 11

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that a coating liquid H for forming opticallyanisotropic layer was used in place of the coating liquid A for formingoptically anisotropic layer.

Composition of Coating Liquid H for Forming Optically Anisotropic LayerSmectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-1 90 parts by mass Ethyleneoxide-modified trimethylolpropane 10 parts by mass triacrylate (V#360,from Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Photo-polymerizationinitiator A 3.0 parts by mass Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 partsby mass Methyl ethyl ketone 588 parts by mass

The optically anisotropic layers obtained in Examples 2 to 11 wereanalyzed by X-ray diffractometry in the same way as Example 1. Peaksindicating a laminar structure were observed at around 2θ=2°, which wereconfirmed to be diffracted light attributable to orderliness of thesmectic phase.

Example 21 <Manufacture of Alignment Film 21>

Using the triacetyl cellulose transparent support manufactured inExample 1, a coating liquid for forming a photo-aligned film 21, havingthe composition below, was coated using a wire bar coater. The coatingwas dried under a hot air of 60° C. for 60 seconds, and further under ahot air of 100° C. for 120 seconds, to thereby form the photo-alignedfilm 21.

Composition of Coating Liquid for Forming Alignment Film 21  Photo-alignable material 21, shown below 1.0 part by mass  Butoxyethanol  33 parts by mass   Propylene glycol monomethyl ether  33parts by mass   Water  33 parts by mass

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 21>

Next, a coating liquid 21 for forming optically anisotropic layer,having the composition below, was prepared. The coating liquid wascoated over the surface of a slide glass, and observed under heatingunder a polarizing microscope. It was observed that a clear smectic-Aphase appeared at 148° C., changed to the nematic phase at 183° C., andfurther changed to the isotropic phase at 255° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid 21 for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-21   10 parts by mass  Photo-polymerization initiator  3.0 parts by mass   (Irgacure 819, fromBASF)   Fluorine-containing Compound A shown above  0.8 parts by mass  Chloroform  990 parts by mass

The thus manufactured photo-aligned film 21 was vertically irradiatedunder air with a 160 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from EyeGraphics Co., Ltd.). The irradiation was implemented through a wire gridpolarizer (ProFlux PPL02, from Moxtek, Inc.) which was set in parallelwith the plane of photo-aligned film 21. Illuminance of the UV lightused here was set to 100 mW/cm² in the UV-A region (cumulative in therange from 380 nm to 320 nm), and the dose was set to 1000 mJ/cm² in theUV-A region.

Next, the coating liquid 21 for forming optically anisotropic layer wascoated over the photo-aligned film using a bar coater. The coating wasripened at the surface temperature of 200° C. for 60 seconds, thencooled down to 175° C., irradiated under air with UV light of 1000mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye GraphicsCo., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment, to thereby manufacturethe optically anisotropic layer 21. In the thus formed opticallyanisotropic layer 21, the rod-like liquid crystalline compound Sm-21 wasfound to align so as to direct the slow axis orthogonal to the directionof irradiation of polarized light. The thickness d of the opticallyanisotropic layer was found to be 2 μm. The incident angle dependence ofRe and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using anautomatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co.,Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=130 nm, Rth=65 nm,Re(550)/d=0.065, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.80, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.05, and tiltangle of optical axis=0° . Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 140,000.

Example 22

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 22>

Over the photo-aligned film 21 which was photo-aligned in the same wayas Example 21, the coating liquid 21 for forming optically anisotropiclayer used in Example 21 was coated using a bar coater, so that thethickness d was 2.1 μm. The coating was ripened at the surfacetemperature of 200° C. for 60 seconds, kept at 200° C., and irradiatedunder air with UV light of 1000 mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooledmetal halide lamp (from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fix the stateof alignment, to thereby form an optically anisotropic layer 22. In thethus formed optically anisotropic layer 22, the rod-like liquidcrystalline compound Sm-21 was found to align while directing the slowaxis orthogonal to the direction of irradiation of polarized light. Thethickness d of the optically anisotropic layer was 2.1 μm. The incidentangle dependence of Re and the tilt angle of the optical axis weremeasured using an automatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from OjiScientific Co., Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=138nm, Rth=69 nm, Re(550)/d=0.065, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.80,Re(650)/Re(550)=1.05, and the tilt angle of optical axis=0°. Contrast ofthe optically anisotropic layer was found to be 50,000.

Example 23

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 23>

The photo-aligned film 21 manufactured in Example 21 was irradiatedunder air with UV light using a 160 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp(from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.). In the irradiation, the lamp was set atan angle of 15° to the plane of the photo-aligned film 21. Illuminanceof the UV light used here was set to 100 mW/cm² in the UV-A region(cumulative in the range from 380 nm to 320 nm), and the dose was set to1000 mJ/cm² in the UV-A region.

The coating liquid 21 for forming the optically anisotropic layer usedin Example 21 was coated using a bar coater so as to attain a thicknessof 2.0 μm. The coating was ripened at a surface temperature of 200° C.for 60 seconds, then cooled down to 175° C., and irradiated under airwith UV light of 1000 mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halidelamp (from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment,to thereby form an optically anisotropic layer 23. In the thus formedoptically anisotropic layer 23, the rod-like liquid crystalline compoundSm-21 was found to align so as to direct the slow axis in parallel withthe direction of irradiation of light. The thickness d of the opticallyanisotropic layer was 2.0 μm. The incident angle dependence of Re andthe tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using an automaticbirefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co., Ltd.).Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=130 nm, Rth=65 nm,Re(550)/d=0.065, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.80, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.05, and tiltangle of optical axis=5°. Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 120,000.

Example 24

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 24>

The smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-21 contained in the coatingliquid 21 for forming an optically anisotropic layer used in Example 21,was changed to Sm-24, to manufacture a coating liquid 24 for forming anoptically anisotropic layer. The coating liquid was coated over thesurface of a slide glass, and observed under heating under a polarizingmicroscope. It was observed that a clear smectic-A phase appeared at124° C., changed to the nematic phase at 164° C., and further changed tothe isotropic phase at 247° C.

Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-24; 11-2-1

Over the photo-aligned film 21 which was photo-aligned in the same wayas Example 21, the coating liquid 24 for forming optically anisotropiclayer was coated using a bar coater, so that the thickness d was 2.0 μm.The coating was ripened at the surface temperature of 200° C. for 60seconds, then cooled down to 155° C., and irradiated under air with UVlight of 1000 mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp(from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment, tothereby form an optically anisotropic layer 24. In the thus formedoptically anisotropic layer 24, the rod-like liquid crystalline compoundSm-24 was found to align while directing the slow axis orthogonal to thedirection of irradiation of polarized light. The thickness d of theoptically anisotropic layer was 2.0 μm. The incident angle dependence ofRe and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using anautomatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co.,Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=130 nm, Rth=65 nm,Re(550)/d=0.065, Re(450)/Re(550)=1.00, Re(650)/Re(550)=0.99, and tiltangle of optical axis=0°. Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 140,000.

Example 25

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 25>

The smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-24 contained in the coatingliquid 24 for forming an optically anisotropic layer used in Example 24,was changed to Sm-25, to manufacture a coating liquid 25 for forming anoptically anisotropic layer. The coating liquid was coated over thesurface of a slide glass, and observed under heating under a polarizingmicroscope. It was observed that a clear smectic-A phase appeared at160° C., changed to the nematic phase at 169° C., and further changed tothe isotropic phase at 224° C. Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-25

Over the photo-aligned film 21 which was photo-aligned in the same wayas Example 21, the coating liquid 25 for forming optically anisotropiclayer was coated using a bar coater, so that the thickness d was 2.0 μm.The coating was ripened at the surface temperature of 200° C. for 60seconds, then cooled down to 160° C., and irradiated under air with UVlight of 1000 mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp(from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment, tothereby form an optically anisotropic layer 25. In the thus formedoptically anisotropic layer 25, the rod-like liquid crystalline compoundSm-25 was found to align while directing the slow axis orthogonal to thedirection of irradiation of polarized light. The thickness d of theoptically anisotropic layer was 2.0 μm. The incident angle dependence ofRe and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using anautomatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co.,Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=130 nm, Rth=65 nm,Re(550)/d=0.065, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.81, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.03, and tiltangle of optical axis=0°. Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 120,000.

Example 26

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 26>

The coating liquid 21 for forming the optically anisotropic layer usedin Example 21 was changed to a coating liquid 26 for forming anoptically anisotropic layer having the composition below. The coatingliquid was coated over a slide glass, and observed under heating under apolarizing microscope. It was observed that a clear smectic-A phaseappeared in the range from room temperature to 73° C., and the nematicphase appeared in the range from 73° C. to 128° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid 26 for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-26-1 57.5 parts by mass  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-26-2   30 parts by mass  Rod-like compound RL-26 12.5 parts by mass   Photo-polymerizationinitiator  6.0 parts by mass   (Irgacure 819, from BASF)  Fluorine-containing compound A shown above 0.85 parts by mass  Chloroform  600 parts by mass

The surface of a support TD8OUL (from Fujifilm Corporation) wassaponified with an alkali. The support was immersed in a 1.5 N aqueoussodium hydroxide solution at 55° C. for 2 minutes, washed in a waterwashing bath at room temperature, and neutralized at 30° C. using a 0.1N sulfuric acid. The support was again washed in the water washing bathat room temperature, and dried under hot air of 100° C.

Next, a rolled polyvinyl alcohol film of 80 μm thick was continuouslystretched 5 fold in aqueous iodine solution, dried to obtain a polarizerof 20 μm thick, and bonded to TD8OUL saponified above using an aqueoussolution of polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive.

On the other surface, the coating liquid for forming the photo-alignedfilm 21, prepared in Example 21, was coated using a wire bar coater. Thecoating was dried under hot air of 60° C. for 60 seconds, and furtherunder hot air of 80° C. for 120 seconds, to manufacture thephoto-aligned film 21. The thus manufactured photo-aligned film 21 wasvertically irradiated under air with UV light using a 160mW/cm²air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd.). Theirradiation was implemented through a wire grid polarizer (ProFluxPPL02, from Moxtek, Inc.), which was set in parallel with the plane ofphoto-aligned film 21, and so as to align the transmission axis of thewire grid polarizer in parallel with the absorption axis of thepolarizer. Illuminance of the UV light used here was set to 100 mW/cm²in the UV-A region (cumulative in the range from 380 nm to 320 nm), andthe dose was set to 1000 mJ/cm² in the UV-A region. In this way, alaminate 26 in which the linear polarizer and the photo-aligned film 21are kept in direct contact, was manufactured.

Next, on the photo-aligned surface, the coating liquid 26 for formingthe optically anisotropic layer was coated using a bar coater. Thecoating was ripened at a surface temperature of 90° C. for 30 seconds,then cooled down to 60° C., and irradiated under air with UV light of1000 mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from EyeGraphics Co., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment, to thereby formthe optically anisotropic layer 26. In the thus formed opticallyanisotropic layer 26, the rod-like liquid crystalline compounds Sm-26-1and Sm-26-2 were found to align, while directing the slow axesorthogonal to the direction of irradiation of polarized light (that is,orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer). The thickness d ofthe optically anisotropic layer was 2.8 μm. The incident angledependence of Re and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measuredusing an automatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji ScientificCo., Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=140 nm, Rth=70nm, Re(550)/d=0.050, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.90, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.00, andtilt angle of optical axis=0°. Contrast of the optically anisotropiclayer was found to be 140,000.

Example 27

<Manufacture of Optically Anisotropic Layer 27>

<Manufacture of Orthogonal Alignment Film 27>

Over the other surface of the linear polarizer manufactured in Example26, a coating liquid for forming an orthogonal alignment film 27, havingthe composition below, was continuously coated using a #8 wire bar. Thecoating was dried under air of 60° C. for 60 seconds, and further underair of 80° C. for 120 seconds, to thereby manufacture the orthogonalalignment film 27. The thus manufactured orthogonal alignment film 27was rubbed. The rubbing was implemented so that the axis of rubbing liesorthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer. In this way, thelaminate 27 in which the linear polarizer and the orthogonal alignmentfilm 27 are kept in direct contact, was formed.

Composition of Coating Liquid for Forming Alignment Film 27 Material oforthogonal alignment 2.4 parts by mass film shown below Isopropanol 1.6parts by mass Methanol  36 parts by mass Water  60 parts by mass

Next, over the rubbed surface, the coating liquid 26 for forming theoptically anisotropic layer was coated using a bar coater. The coatingwas ripened at a surface temperature of 90° C. for 30 seconds, thencooled down to 60° C., and irradiated under air with UV light of 1000mJ/cm² using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye GraphicsCo., Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment, to thereby form theoptically anisotropic layer 27. In the thus formed optically anisotropiclayer 26, the rod-like liquid crystalline compounds Sm-26-1 and Sm-26-2were found to align while directing the slow axes in parallel with thedirection of rubbing (that is, orthogonal to the absorption axis of thepolarizer). The thickness d of the optically anisotropic layer was 2.8μm. The incident angle dependence of Re and the tilt angle of theoptical axis were measured using an automatic birefringence meter(KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co., Ltd.). Results of measurement at550 nm include Re=140 nm, Rth=70 nm, Re(550)/d=0.050,Re(450)/Re(550)=0.90, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.00, and tilt angle of opticalaxis=0°. Contrast of the optically anisotropic layer was found to be50,000.

Also the optically anisotropic layer manufactured in Examples 21 to 27were analyzed in the same way as Example 1 by X-ray diffractometry.Peaks indicating a laminar structure were observed at around 2θ=2°,which were confirmed to be diffracted light derived from orderliness ofthe smectic phase. In contrast, the optically anisotropic layermanufactured in Example 22 showed a somewhat broad peak which is derivedfrom a cybotactic phase (intermediate phase between smectic phase andnematic phase).

Comparative Example 2

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 90°C.

The thus obtained optically anisotropic layer was analyzed by X-raydiffractometry in the same way as Example 1. No peak was found in therange of 20=1.5 to 3, although the peak has been observed in Example 1.Since the polymerizable composition has a glass transition temperatureof 82° C. between the smectic phase and the nematic phase, thepolymerizable composition stays in the nematic phase at 90° C. Since thenematic phase can show only a low orderliness even if fixed in thatstate, no diffraction peak was detected. In Comparative Example 2, nocybostatic phase was observed, suggesting that a high-contrast film willnot be produced.

Comparative Example 3

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the coating liquid A for forming the opticallyanisotropic layer was changed to a coating liquid I for formingoptically anisotropic layer, that the ripening temperature was set to90° C., and that the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 70° C. Thecoating liquid I for forming optically anisotropic layer was found tohave a phase transition temperature between the smectic-A phase and thenematic phase of 75° C.

Composition of Coating Liquid I for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Smectic liquid crystalline compound Sm-5   55 parts by mass Rod-likecompound RL-4   45 parts by mass Photo-polymerization initiator  3.0parts by mass (Irgacure 907, from BASF) Fluorine-containing compound A 0.8 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone  588 parts by mass

Comparative Example 4

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the coating liquid A for forming the opticallyanisotropic layer was changed to a coating liquid J for formingoptically anisotropic layer, that the ripening temperature was set to70° C., and that the temperature of UV irradiation was set to 70° C. Thecoating liquid J for forming optically anisotropic layer showed nosmectic phase, and showed a phase transition temperature between thenematic phase and the isotropic phase of 110° C. In Comparative Example4, no cybostatic phase was observed, suggesting that a high-contrastfilm will not be produced.

Composition of Coating Liquid J for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Rod-like compound RL-4   80 parts by mass   Rod-like compound RL-5  20 parts by mass   Photo-polymerization initiator  3.0 parts by mass  (Irgacure 907, from BASF)   Fluorine-containing compound A  0.8 parts bymass   Methyl ethyl ketone  588 parts by mass

Comparative Example 41

An optically anisotropic layer 41 was manufactured in the same way asExample 24, except that the photo-aligned film was changed to thealignment film A used in Example 1 and rubbed. The thickness of theoptically anisotropic layer was 2.0 μm. The incident angle dependence ofRe and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using anautomatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co.,Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=110 nm, Rth=75 nm,Re(550)/d=0.055, Re(450)/Re(550)=1.00, Re(650)/Re(550)=0.99, and tiltangle of optical axis=12° . Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 7,000.

Comparative Example 42

An optically anisotropic layer 42 was manufactured in the same way asExample 25, except that the photo-aligned film was changed to thealignment film A used in Example 1 and rubbed. The thickness of theoptically anisotropic layer was 2.0 μm. The incident angle dependence ofRe and the tilt angle of the optical axis were measured using anautomatic birefringence meter (KOBRA-21ADH, from Oji Scientific Co.,Ltd.). Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=108 nm, Rth=78 nm,Re(550)/d=0.054, Re(450)/Re(550)=0.81, Re(650)/Re(550)=1.03, and tiltangle of optical axis=14°. Contrast of the optically anisotropic layerwas found to be 5,000.

[Evaluation Using Liquid Crystal Display Device]

<Manufacture of Positive C-plate>

The modified polyvinyl alcohol used for forming the alignment film A waschanged to a commercially available unmodified polyvinyl alcohol PVA103(from Kuraray Co., Ltd.), and an alignment film C was manufactured inthe same way as Example 1 on a tentative support. A coating K having thecomposition below was coated thereon, the coating was ripened at 60° C.for 60 seconds, and irradiated under air with UV light of 1000 mJ/cm²using a 70 mW/cm² air-cooled metal halide lamp (from Eye Graphics Co.,Ltd.) so as to fix the state of alignment. The polymerizable rod-likeliquid crystal compound was thus aligned vertically, to give a positiveC-plate. Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=0 nm, Rth=-115 nm,Rth(450)/Rth(550)=1.07, and Rth(650)/Rth(550)=0.95.

Composition of Coating Liquid K for Forming Optically Anisotropic Layer  Liquid crystalline compound B01   80 parts by mass   Liquidcrystalline compound B02   20 parts by mass   Vertical alignment agent(S01)    1 part by mass   Vertical alignment agent (S02)  0.5 parts bymass   Ethylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate    8 partsby mass   (V#360, from Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.)   Irgacure907 (from BASF)    3 parts by mass   Kayacure DETX (from Nippon KayakuCo., Ltd.)    1 part by mass   B03  0.4 parts by mass   Methyl ethylketone  170 parts by mass   Cyclohexanone   30 parts by mass

<Bonding of Optically Anisotropic Layer and Positive C-Plate>

To the coated surface of the optically anisotropic layer manufactured inExample 1, the positive C-plate was bonded so as to face the coatedsurface thereof to the optically anisotropic layer by using a tackyagent. After the bonding, the tentative support was peeled off toproduce a laminated optical film.

<Manufacture of Polarizing Plate>

The surface of a support TD8OUL (from Fujifilm Corporation) wassaponified with an alkali. The support was immersed in a 1.5 N aqueoussodium hydroxide solution at 55° C. for 2 minutes, washed in a waterwashing bath at room temperature, and neutralized at 30° C. using a 0.1N sulfuric acid. The support was again washed in the water washing bathat room temperature, and dried under hot air of 100° C.

Next, a rolled polyvinyl alcohol film of 80 μm thick was continuouslystretched 5 fold in aqueous iodine solution, and then dried to obtain apolarizer of 20 μm thick.

Onto the other surface, the surface of the above-prepared laminatedoptical film, which is the opposite surface of the coated surface, wasbonded so as to the polarizer was sandwiched. In this way, obtained wasa polarizing plate, in which TD8OUL and the laminated optical film serveas protective films for the polarizer. An aqueous solution of apolyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive was used for the bonding. In theprocess of bonding, the optically anisotropic layer and the polarizerwere laminated so that the slow axis of the optically anisotropic layeris orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer.

Example 12

An optically anisotropic layer was manufactured in the same way asExample 1, except that the modified polyvinyl alcohol in the coatingliquid for forming the alignment film A was changed to a commerciallyavailable polyvinyl alcohol PVA103 (from Kuraray Co., Ltd.). Theobtained optically anisotropic layer was analyzed by X-raydiffractometry in the same way as Example 1. A peak indicating a laminarstructure was observed at around 2θ=2°, which was confirmed to bediffracted light attributable to orderliness of the smectic phase.

The surface of a support TD8OUL (from Fujifilm Corporation) wassaponified with an alkali. The support was immersed in a 1.5 N aqueoussodium hydroxide solution at 55° C. for 2 minutes, washed in a waterwashing bath at room temperature, and neutralized at 30° C. using a 0.1N sulfuric acid. The support was again washed in the water washing bathat room temperature, and and dried under hot air of 100° C. Next, arolled polyvinyl alcohol film of 80 μm thick was continuously stretched5 fold in aqueous iodine solution, and then dried to obtain a polarizerof 20 μm thick.

Onto the other surface, the coated surface of the optically anisotropiclayer, which was prepared by changing the support thereof from thecellulose acylate film to the tentative support, was bonded so that thepolarizer was sandwiched between TD8OUL and the optically anisotropiclayer. In the process of bonding, the optically anisotropic layer andthe polarizer were laminated so that the slow axis of the opticallyanisotropic layer was orthogonal to the absorption axis of thepolarizer. The tentative support for forming the optically anisotropiclayer was peeled from the polarizing plate, and the coated surface ofthe positive C-plate was bonded to the optically anisotropic layer ofthe polarizing plate using a tacky agent, the tentative support forforming the positive C-plate was peeled to thereby obtain a polarizingplate.

Example 13

The surface of a support TD8OUL (from Fujifilm Corporation) wassaponified with an alkali. The support was immersed in a 1.5 N aqueoussodium hydroxide solution at 55° C. for 2 minutes, washed in a waterwashing bath at room temperature, and neutralized at 30° C. using a 0.1N sulfuric acid. The support was again washed in the water washing bathat room temperature, and and dried under hot air of 100° C.

Next, a rolled polyvinyl alcohol film of 80 μm thick was continuouslystretched 5 fold in aqueous iodine solution, and then dried to obtain apolarizer of 20 μm thick. The polarizer was then bonded to TD8OUL, tothereby obtain a polarizing plate with one surface thereof remainedexposed. The polarizer was rubbed in the direction orthogonal to theabsorption axis. Using the obtained product as an alignment film, apolarizing plate with optically anisotropic layer was manufactured inthe same way as Example 1. The optically anisotropic layer is analyzedagain by X-ray diffractometry in the same way as in Example 1. A peakindicating a laminar structure was observed at around 2θ=2°, which wasconfirmed to be diffracted light attributable to orderliness of thesmectic phase. To the optically anisotropic layer of the polarizingplate with optically anisotropic layer, the above-described positiveC-plate was bonded, and the tentative support for forming the positiveC-plate was then peeled to thereby obtain a polarizing plate with thelaminated optically anisotropic layer.

<Manufacture of Liquid Crystal Display Device 1>

A polarizing plate on the viewer's side was peeled off from a liquidcrystal cell of iPad (from Apple Inc.), and the resultant cell was usedas an IPS-mode liquid crystal cell.

In place of the peeled-off polarizing plate, the above-manufacturedpolarizing plate with the laminated optical film was bonded to theliquid crystal cell, to thereby manufacture a liquid crystal displaydevice of Example 1. In the process of bonding, the absorption axis ofthe polarizing plate was aligned normal to the optical axis of a liquidcrystal layer in the liquid crystal cell, when observed in the directionnormal to the substrate surface of the liquid crystal cell.

Also in Examples 2 to 13 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4, bonding withthe positive C-plate, manufacture of the polarizing plate, andmanufacture of the liquid crystal display device were implemented in thesame way as Example 1, except that the optically anisotropic layer waschanged.

In Comparative Example 1, a liquid crystal display device wasmanufactured in the same way as Example 1, except that only thecellulose acylate film manufactured in Example 1 was used in place ofthe laminated optical film.

<Manufacture of Liquid Crystal Display Device 2>

A polarizing plate on the viewer's side was peeled off from a liquidcrystal cell of iPad (a model with a photo-aligned film, from AppleInc.), and the resultant cell was used as an IPS-mode liquid crystalcell with photo-aligned film. The liquid crystal cell was found to havea pre-tilt angle of 0°.

Also in Examples 21 to 27, and Comparative Examples 41 and 42, bondingwith the positive C-plate, manufacture of the polarizing plate, andmanufacture of the liquid crystal display device were implemented in thesame way as Example 1, except that the optically anisotropic layer waschanged.

<Evaluation 1>

Display performance was measured using a commercially available softwareEzcom (from ELDIM) for analyzing viewing angle and chromaticity ofliquid crystal display device. Back light was a commercially availableone incorporated in a liquid crystal display unit of iPad (from AppleInc.). For the measurement, the liquid crystal cell bonded with thepolarizing plate was set so as to direct the optically anisotropic layeropposite to the back light. Results are summarized in Table 4 below.

(Contrast of Panel)

Luminance (Yw) in the vertical direction on the panel in the state ofwhite display, and luminance (Yb) in the vertical direction on the panelin the state of black display were measured, contrast (Yw/Yb) in thevertical direction of the panel was calculated and defined as frontcontrast, and was evaluated according to the criteria below: A: Frontcontrast is 95% or larger, in reference to Comparative Example 1 B:Front contrast is 85% or larger and smaller than 95%, in reference toComparative Example 1 C: Front contrast is 75% or larger and smallerthan 85%, in reference to Comparative Example 1 D: Front contrast issmaller than 75%, in reference to Comparative Example 1

(Leakage of Light in Oblique View)

Black luminance (Cd/m²) was measured at higher angles (azimuth=0 to180°, 5° intervals) and at lower angles (azimuth=180 to 360°, 5°intervals), and the respective maximum value of black luminance wasaveraged (maximum luminance).

The smaller the value, the lesser the leakage of light in the blackdisplay. The maximum luminance was evaluated according to the 4-rankcriteria A to D below: A: maximum luminance≤1; B: 1<maximum luminance≤2;C: 2<maximum luminance≤5; and D: 10<maximum luminance.

(Viewing Angle Dependence of Hue)

Chromaticity of the liquid crystal display device in the state of blackdisplay was measured in a photo-dark room using a measuring instrument(EZ-Contrast XL88, from ELDIM). More specifically, chromaticity (u′, v′)was measured at a polar angle of 60° and an azimuth ranged from 0° to345° at 15° intervals, a minimum value (u′min, v′min) and a maximumvalue (u′max, v′max) of the measured chromaticity values (u′,v′) wereextracted, and hue change Δ(u′,v′) given by the equation below wasevaluated.

Δ(u′,v′)=√((u′max−u′min)²+(v′max−v′min)²)

The smaller the value, the better the viewing angle dependence of hue.Results were evaluated according to the 4-rank criteria A to D below: A:Δ(u′,v′)<0.12 B: 0.12≤Δ(u′,v′)<0.15 C: 0.15≤Δ(u′,v′)<0.18 D:0.18≤Δ(u′,v′)

(Amount of Residual Monomer)

The optically anisotropic layer, together with the support, wasextracted with chloroform for 24 hours, the extract was allowed to passthrough a filter (Millipore Millex-FG, 0.2 μm), the amount of residualsmectic liquid crystalline compound was quantified by HPLC under theconditions below, and a ratio of the residual unpolymerized smecticliquid crystalline compound, to the amount of coating was determined.Column: TSK-GEL ODS-80Ts 2.0 mm ID×150 mm, Gradient condition: H₂O (0.1%AA, TEA)/MeOH (0.1% AA, TEA)=90/10→0/100 (20→50 min), Run time: 50 minPost run: 15 min Flow rate: 0.2 mL/min, Column temperature: 40° C.,Injection volume: 5 mL, Monitoring wavelength: 254 nm

<Evaluation 2>

Also display performances of the liquid crystal display devicemanufactured in “Manufacture of Liquid Crystal Display Device 2” weremeasured using a commercially available software EZCom (from ELDIM) foranalyzing viewing angle and chromaticity of liquid crystal in the sameway as in Evaluation 1. Back light was a commercially available oneincorporated in a liquid crystal display unit of iPad (a model with aphoto-aligned film, from Apple Inc.). For the measurement, the liquidcrystal cell bonded with the polarizing plate was set so as to directthe optically anisotropic layer opposite to the back light. Results aresummarized in Table 5 below.

TABLE 4 Optically anisotropic layer of the invention X-ray dif- Re(nm)fraction of pattern Leakage Av- optically Amount showing Con- of lighterage aniso- of layer trast in tilt tropic residual con- of obliqueangle layer monomer struction panel view Example 1 2° 128 <3% Yes A AExample 2 5° 128 <3% Yes A B Example 3 0° 128   8% Yes A A Example 4 2°128 <3% Yes A A Example 5 9° 126 <3% Yes A A Example 6 9° 126 <3% Yes AB Example 7 5° 128 <3% Yes A A Example 8 3° 128 <3% Yes A A Example 9 7°127 <3% Yes A B Example 10 2° 128 <3% Yes A A Example 11 5° 128 <3% YesB B Example 12 2° 128 <3% Yes A A Example 13 2° 128 <3% Yes A AComparative — — — — A D Example 1 Comparative 13°  128 <3% No C AExample 2 Comparative 13°  125 <3% Yes B C Example 3 Comparative 0° 128<3% No C A Example 4

TABLE 5 Leakage Viewing Av- Amount X-ray of light angle Thick- erage ReRe Re of diffrac- Contrast in depend- ness tilt Re (550)/ (450/ (650/residual tion of Contrast oblique ence (μm) angle (nm) d 550) 550)monomer pattern film of panel view of hue Example 21 2.0 0° 130 0.0650.80 1.05 <3% Yes 140,000 A A A Example 22 2.1 0° 138 0.065 0.80 1.05<3% No  50,000 B A A Example 23 2.0 5° 130 0.065 0.80 1.05 <3% Yes120,000 A B A Example 24 2.0 0° 130 0.065 1.00 0.99 <3% Yes 140,000 A AA Example 25 2.0 0° 130 0.65  0.81 1.03 <3% Yes 120,000 A A A Example 262.8 0° 140 0.050 0.90 1.00 <3% Yes 140,000 A A A Example 27 2.8 0° 1400.050 0.90 1.00 <3% Yes  50,000 B A A Example 41 2.0 12°  110 0.055 1.000.99 <3% Yes  7,000 C C B Example 42 2.0 14°  108 0.054 0.81 1.03 <3%Yes  5,000 C C A

Example 31

<Manufacture of Anti-Reflection Plate for Organic EL Display Device>

(Manufacture of Anti-Reflection Plate)

A polarizing plate used here contains a 20 μm thick polarizer which isprotected on only one surface thereof with a triacetyl cellulose film(40 μm thick). The unprotected surface of the polarizing plate (surfaceof the polarizer composed of the stretched polyvinyl alcohol film) wasbonded to the optically anisotropic layer manufactured in Example 21having the positive A-plate laminated with the positive C-plate (where,the thickness of the positive C-plate controlled to attain Rth=-65 nm at550 nm), using an optically isotropic adhesive, to thereby manufacturean anti-reflection plate (circular polarizing plate) for organic ELdisplay device. The transmission axis of the polarizer was aligned at45° to the slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer of the positiveA-plate.

Examples 32 to 35

Anti-reflection plates were manufactured in the same way as in Example31, except that, in the manufacture of the optically anisotropic layerin Example 31, the positive A-plate was changed to the positive A-platesmanufactured in Examples 22 to 25.

Comparative Examples 51 and 52

Anti-reflection plates were manufactured in the same way as in Example31, except that, in the manufacture of the optically anisotropic layerin Example 31, the positive A-plate was changed to the positive A-platesmanufactured in Examples 41 and 42.

<Mounting onto Organic EL Element and Evaluation of DisplayPerformances>

(Mounting onto Display Device)

A smartphone GALAXY SII (from Samsung) equipped with an organic EL panelwas disassembled, the circular polarizing plate was peeled off, andinstead each of the anti-reflection plates of Examples 31 to 35 andComparative Examples 51 and 52 was bonded, to thereby manufacturedisplay devices.

(Evaluation of Display Device)

The thus-manufactured organic EL display devices were evaluated in termsof visibility and definition of display, under bright light.

The display device was operated in the modes of white display, blackdisplay, and image display, and reflected light when light of afluorescent lamp was cast thereon at the front and at a polar angle of60°, was observed. Definition of display observed at the front and at apolar angle of 60° was evaluated according to the criteria below: 4: Norecognizable change in hue (acceptable); 3: Recognizable change in hue,only a slight level (acceptable); 2: Recognizable change in hue, withweak reflected light, no problem in practical use (acceptable); and 1:Recognizable change in hue, with strong reflected light, not acceptable.

TABLE 6 Optically anisotropic layer of the invention Pos- Display(Positive A-plate) itive perfor- Av- C- To- mances erage Re Re plate talPolar tilt Re (450/ (650/ Rth Rth Rth angle angle (nm) 550) 550) (nm)(nm) (nm) Front 60° Example 0° 130 0.80 1.05 65 −65 0 4 4 31 Example 0°138 0.80 1.05 65 −65 0 4 4 32 Example 5° 130 0.80 1.05 65 −65 0 4 3 33Example 0° 130 1.00 0.99 65 −65 0 3 3 34 Example 0° 130 0.81 1.03 65 −650 4 4 35 Compar- 12°  110 1.00 0.99 75 −65 10 1 1 ative Example 51Compar- 14°  108 0.81 1.03 78 −65 13 1 1 ative Example 52

[Evaluation Using IPS Liquid Crystal Display Device 2]

<Manufacture of Reverse-Wavelength-Dispersion Positive C-Plate>

A reverse-wavelength-dispersion positive C-plate L was manufactured inthe same way as the above-described procedures of manufacturing thepositive C-plate, except that the coating liquid K for forming thepositive C-plate was changed to a coating liquid L for formingreverse-wavelength-dispersion positive C-plate, having the compositionbelow. Results of measurement at 550 nm include Re=0 nm, Rth=−97 nm,Rth(450)/Rth(550)=0.87, and Rth(650)/Rth(550)=1.01.

Composition of Coating Liquid L for Forming Positive C-Plate withReverse Wavelength Dispersion Reverse-wavelength-dispersion liquidcrystalline compound Sm41-1   68 parts by mass Liquid crystallinecompound B01 25.6 parts by mass Liquid crystalline compound B02  6.4parts by mass Vertical alignment agent (S02)  0.5 parts by massPhoto-polymerization initiator  3.0 parts by mass (Irgacure 819, fromBASF) B03  1.0 part by mass Methyl ethyl ketone  242 parts by mass

Example 41

<Bonding of Optically Anisotropic Layer and Positive C-Plate L>

To the coated surface of the optically anisotropic layer manufactured inExample 21, the coated surface of the reverse-wavelength-dispersionpositive C-plate L was bonded using a tacky agent. After the bonding,the tentative support was peeled, to thereby manufacture a laminatedoptical film 41.

<Manufacture of Polarizing Plate 41>

The surface of a support TD80UL (from Fujifilm Corporation) wassaponified with an alkali. The support was immersed in a 1.5 N aqueoussodium hydroxide solution at 55° C. for 2 minutes, washed in a waterwashing bath at room temperature, and neutralized at 30° C. using a 0.1N sulfuric acid. The support was again washed in the water washing bathat room temperature, and and dried under hot air of 100° C.

Next, a rolled polyvinyl alcohol film of 80 μm thick was continuouslystretched 5 fold in aqueous iodine solution, and then dried to obtain apolarizer of 20 μm thick.

Onto the other surface, the surface of the above-prepared laminatedoptical film 41, which is the opposite surface of the coated surface,was bonded so as to hold the polarizer in between. In this way, obtainedwas a polarizing plate 41, in which TD80UL and the laminated opticalfilm 41 serve as protective films for the polarizer. An aqueous solutionof a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive was used for the bonding. In theprocess of bonding, the optically anisotropic layer and the polarizerwere laminated so that the slow axis of the optically anisotropic layeris orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer.

<Manufacture of IPS Liquid Crystal Display Device 41>

A polarizing plate on the viewer's side was peeled off from a liquidcrystal cell of iPad (a model with a photo-aligned film, from AppleInc.), and the resultant cell was used as an IPS-mode liquid crystalcell with photo-aligned film. The liquid crystal cell was found to havea pre-tilt angle of 0°. Next, in place of the peeled-off polarizingplate, the above-manufactured polarizing plate 41 with the laminatedoptical film was bonded to the liquid crystal cell, to therebymanufacture an IPS liquid crystal display device of Example 41. In theprocess of bonding, the absorption axis of the polarizing plate wasaligned normal to the optical axis of a liquid crystal layer in theliquid crystal cell, when observed in the direction normal to thesubstrate of the liquid crystal.

Example 42

Also in Examples 42 to 47, and Comparative Examples 61 and 62, bondingwith the positive C-plate, manufacture of the polarizing plate, andmanufacture of the IPS liquid crystal display device were implemented inthe same way as Example 41, except that the optically anisotropic layerwas changed to the optically anisotropic layers of Examples 22 to 27,and Comparative Examples 41 and 42.

Also display performances of the IPS liquid crystal display devicesmanufactured in Examples 41 to 47 and Comparative Examples 61 and 62were measured using a commercially available software EZCom (from ELDIM)for analyzing viewing angle and chromaticity of liquid crystal. Backlight was a commercially available one incorporated in a liquid crystaldisplay unit of iPad (a model with a photo-aligned film, from AppleInc.). Results are summarized in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 Leak- Amount age Viewing Av- of X-ray Con- of angle Thick- erageRe Re Re residual diffrac- Con- trast light in depend- ness tilt Re(550)/ (450/ (650/ mon- tion trast of oblique ence (μm) angle (nm) d550) 550) omer pattern of film panel view of hue Example 41 2.0 0° 1300.065 0.80 1.05 <3% Yes 140,000 A A A Example 42 2.1 0° 138 0.065 0.801.05 <3% No 50,000 B A A Example 43 2.0 5° 130 0.065 0.80 1.05 <3% Yes120,000 A B B Example 44 2.0 0° 130 0.065 1.00 0.99 <3% Yes 140,000 A AA Example 45 2.0 0° 130 0.65 0.81 1.03 <3% Yes 120,000 A A A Example 462.8 0° 140 0.050 0.90 1.00 <3% Yes 140,000 A A A Example 47 2.8 0° 1400.050 0.90 1.00 <3% Yes 50,000 B A A Compar- 2.0 12°  110 0.055 1.000.99 <3% Yes 7,000 C C C ative Example 61 Compar- 2.0 14°  108 0.0540.81 1.03 <3% Yes 5,000 C C B ative Example 62

What is claimed is:
 1. An optically anisotropic layer wherein apolymerizable composition, containing one or more polymerizable rod-likeliquid crystal compound showing a smectic phase, is fixed in a state ofsmectic phase, and a direction of maximum refractive index of saidoptically anisotropic layer is inclined at 10° or smaller to the surfaceof said optically anisotropic layer, wherein the polymerizable rod-likeliquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the formula (II);Formula (II): L¹-G¹-D¹-Ar-D²-G²-L² where, Ar represents a divalentaromatic ring group represented by the formulae (II-1), (II-2), (II-3)or (II-4) below; each of D¹ and D² independently represents —CO—O—,—O—CO—, —C(═S)O—, —O—C (═S)—, —CR₁R₂—, —CR₁R₂—CR₃R₄—, —O—CR₁R₂—,—CR₁R₂—O—, —CR₁R₂—O—CR₃R₄—, —CR₁R₂—O—CO—, —O—CO—CR₁R₂—,—CR₁R₂—O-CO—CR₃R₄—, —CR₁R₂—CO—O—CR₃R₄—, —NR₁—CR₂R₃—, —CR₁R₂—NR₃—,—CO—NR₁—, or —NR₁—CO—; each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ independentlyrepresents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or C₁₋₄ alkyl group; each ofG¹ and G² independently represents a C₅₋₈ divalent alicyclic hydrocarbongroup, a methylene group contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon groupmay be substituted by —O—, —S—, —NH— or —N(R)—; each of L¹ and L²independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least oneselected from the group consisting of L¹ and L² represents a monovalentgroup having a polymerizable group.

in the formula (II-1), Q₁ represents —S—, —O— or —NR¹¹—, where R¹¹represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group; Y, represents a C₃₋₁₂aromatic heterocyclic group; each of Z₁, and Z₂ independently representsa hydrogen atom or C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic hydrocarbon group, C₃₋₂₀ alicyclichydrocarbon group, monovalent C₆₋₂₀ aromatic hydrocarbon group, halogenatom, cyano group, nitro group, —NR¹²R¹³ or —SR¹², Z₁, and Z₂ maycombine with each other to form an aromatic ring or aromaticheterocycle, each of R¹² and R¹³ independently represents a hydrogenatom or C₁₋₆ alkyl group; in the formula (II-2), each of A₁ and A₂independently represents a group selected from the group consisting of—O—, —NR—, —S— and —CO—, where R represents a hydrogen atom orsubstituent; X represents a Group-XIV to XVI nonmetal atom, where, X mayhave a hydrogen atom or substituent bound thereto, and each of Z₁, andZ₂ independently represents a substituent; in the formula (II-3) and theformula (II-4), Ax represents an C₂₋₃₀ organic group having at least onearomatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbonring and aromatic heterocycle, Ay represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁₋₆alkyl group which may have a substituent, or, a C₂₋₃₀ organic grouphaving at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting ofaromatic hydrocarbon ring and aromatic heterocycle; the aromatic ringcontained in Ax and Ay may have a substituent; Ax and Ay may combinetogether to form a ring; each of Z₁, Z₂ and Z₃ independently representsa hydrogen atom or substituent; and Q₂ represents a hydrogen atom, or,C₁₋₆ alkyl group which may have a substituent.
 2. The opticallyanisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein Ar represents a divalent aromaticring group represented by the formulae (II-1), (II-3) or (II-4)
 3. Theoptically anisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein Ar represents a divalentaromatic ring group represented by the formulae (II-1) in which Y₁ is2-thienyl.
 4. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein X isnot sulfur atom.
 5. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1, whereinAr is a divalent aromatic ring group represented by the formulae (II-2)in which X is ═C(CN)₂.
 6. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1,wherein Ar represents a divalent aromatic ring group represented by theformulae (II-3) or (II-4)
 7. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1,wherein the optically anisotropic layer has a thickness d of 1000 to5000 nm, Re(550) of 10 to 400 nm, Re(550)/d of 0.01 to 0.1 where both ofd and Re(550) are given in nm, and a contrast of 100,000 or larger and200,000 or smaller.
 8. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1,wherein a ratio of the polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compoundwhich remains unpolymerized is 5% by mass or less.
 9. The opticallyanisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein the polymerizable rod-like liquidcrystal compound has a molecular weight of 1300 or smaller.
 10. Theoptically anisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein the polymerizablecomposition further contains 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or lessof a polymerizable rod-like compound represented by the formula (2).Formula (2): Q³—SP³—X³—(Y³-L-Y⁴-SP⁴-Q⁴ where, m is an integerrepresenting the number of repetition of (Y³-L-Y⁴-M⁴) which is 0 ormore, each of Q³ and Q⁴ represents a polymerizable group, SP³ and SP⁴represent a same group which is a straight-chain or branched alkylenegroup, or, a group composed of a combination of a straight-chain orbranched alkylene group, with —O— and/or —C(═O)—, having 2 to 8 carbonatoms in total; X³ and X⁴ represent a same group which is a single bondor oxygen atom; —Y³-L-Y⁴—represents a straight-chain alkylene group, or,a group composed of a combination of straight-chain alkylene group with—O— and/or —C(═O)—, having 3 to 18 carbon atoms in total; and each of M³and M⁴ represents a group composed of two or more aromatic rings, and—O— and/or —C(═O)—.
 11. The optically anisotropic layer of claim 1,comprising a copolymer of fluoroaliphatic group-containing monomers as atilt angle control agent.
 12. The optically anisotropic layer of claim1, wherein the direction of maximum refractive index of the opticallyanisotropic layer is inclined at 0° or larger and 3° or smaller to thesurface of the optically anisotropic layer.
 13. The opticallyanisotropic layer of claim 1, which is a uniaxial birefringence layerhaving the slow axis in the in-plane direction.
 14. The opticallyanisotropic layer of claim 13, wherein retardation values Re(450),Re(550) and Re(650) measured at 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm respectivelysatisfy the formulae (1) to (3). Formula (1) 100≤Re(550)≤180 nm Formula(2) 0.70≤Re(450)/Re(550)≤1.00 Formula (3) 0.99≤Re(650)/Re(550)≤1.30 15.A laminate comprising the optically anisotropic layer of claim
 1. 16.The laminate of claim 15, wherein a uniaxial birefringence layer havinga refractive index in the thickness direction larger than the refractiveindex in the in-plane direction is formed on the surface of theoptically anisotropic layer of claim 1, wherein the Rth(450), Rth(550)and Rth(650), which are thickness retardation values measured at 450 nm,550 nm and 650 nm of the birefringence layer satisfy the formulae (1)and (2) below: Formula (1) 0.70≤Rth(450)/Rth(550)≤1.00 Formula (2)0.99≤Rth(650)/Rth(550)≤1.30
 17. The laminate of claim 15, wherein theoptically anisotropic layer of claim 1 is formed on the surface of aphoto-aligned film.
 18. The laminate of claim 15 which further comprisesa linear polarizer, wherein the photo-aligned film is provided over thesurface of the linear polarizer.
 19. A liquid crystal display devicecomprising the optically anisotropic layer of claim
 1. 20. The liquidcrystal display device of claim 19, which is an IPS-mode device.
 21. Anorganic EL display device comprising the optically anisotropic layer ofclaim 1.